Article

Peripheral nerve injuries lead to a variety of pathological conditions, including
paresis or paralysis when the injury involves motor axons. We have been studying
ways to enhance the regeneration of peripheral nerves using daily electrical
stimulation (ES) following a facial nerve crush injury. In our previous studies,
ES was not initiated until 24 h after injury. The current experiment tested
whether ES administered immediately following the crush injury would further
decrease the time for complete recovery from facial paralysis. Rats received a
unilateral facial nerve crush injury and an electrode was positioned on the nerve
proximal to the crush site. Animals received daily 30 min sessions of ES for 1 d
(day of injury only), 2 d, 4 d, 7 d, or daily until complete functional recovery.
Untreated animals received no ES. Animals were observed daily for the return of
facial function. Our findings demonstrated that one session of ES was as
effective as daily stimulation at enhancing the recovery of most functional
parameters. Therefore, the use of a single 30 min session of ES as a possible
treatment strategy should be studied in human patients with paralysis as a result
of acute nerve injuries.

Langue : ANGLAIS