ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a background of information of the biological events of nerve injury and axon regeneration prior to presentation of the evidence of the key role of neurotrophic factors in nerve regeneration and the efficacy of brief electrical stimulation in accelerating nerve regeneration in animal models and human patients. Nerve injuries are sustained in association with trauma, including brachial plexus injuries in babies, and gunshot and knife injuries in children and adults. The dire consequences of delay in surgical repair of transected nerves have directed surgeons to repair the injuries as soon as possible. Following peripheral nerve injury, the axons proximal to the injury remain in continuity with the neuronal cell bodies, while the axons that are disconnected undergo Wallerian degeneration. The injured neuron undergoes characteristic morphological changes known as chromatolysis. These changes include the dissolution of the Nissl bodies and movement of the nucleus from the center of the neurons to an eccentric position.
