February 13, 2014

New biomaterials to address injuries to the peripheral nervous system


Damage to the peripheral nervous system, usually caused by serious accidents, can lead to loss of motor control and sensory perception. This is a very serious injury with grave consequences for the lives of thousands of people of all ages. Peripheral nerve injuries are responsible for over a million medical consultations every year in the USA and Europe, of which over 10% end up in the operating theatre. The physical impairments resulting from this injury are caused by the lack of connections between the nerve cells owing to the severing of the nerve.