The Self-Mending Net
207
H. Wilson of the Leeds General Infirmary in England, there have been
some interesting claims that pulsed electromagnetic fields have speeded
recovery of limb function in rats after peripheral nerve damage, but the
effect hasn't yet been substantiated for humans. If these findings hold
up, we may soon be able to boost nerves past their 1-centimeter limit,
even if the action is indirect, and a thorough investigation of the elec-
trical basics could drive nerve regrowth to even greater lengths.
SCHWANN CELLS GUIDE PERIPHERAL NERVE REGROWTH
The Spinal Cord
A sad and crucial difference separates peripheral fibers from those in the
human spinal cord, for the latter don't reconnect over even a fraction of a
centimeter. However, in most injuries relatively few of the neurons
themselves are killed. It's important to realize that most of the cord cells
below the injury don't die. The reflex arcs remain intact.
In fact, reflexes
are stronger than normal, because the neurons are now disconnected