Neurotmesis (in Greek tmesis signifies "to cut") is part of Seddon's classification scheme used to classify nerve damage.
Symptoms of neurotmesis include but are not limited to pain, dysesthesias (uncomfortable sensations), and complete loss of sensory and motor function of the affected nerve.
[2] Other mechanisms of injury are less common but include ischemia, thermal, electric shock, radiation, adverse reactions to certain chemotherapy medications, percussion and vibration.
Patients often undergo a series of muscle strength tests, sensory exam which includes feeling the sensation of light touch, pinprick, vibration, and others.
These help to distinguish upper from lower motor neuron disorder as well as diagnose primary muscle disease.
The second classification of the Seddon system is referred to as axonotmesis which is a more severe case of peripheral nerve injury.
The second through fourth degrees are dependent on the variance of axon discontinuity and are classified under Seddon's classification of axonotmesis.
[2] The first line of treatment is often to treat the patient's pain with neuropathic drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and anticonvulsants.
Other techniques used to facilitate healing of the nerve and pain are either static or dynamic splinting that can both help protect the injured part as well as improve function.