Prospects on clinical applications of electrical stimulation for nerve regeneration

Regenerative capability is limited in higher vertebrates but present in organ systems such as skin, liver, bone, and to some extent, the nervous system. Peripheral nerves in particular have a relatively high potential for regeneration following injury. However, delay in regrowth or growth, blockage, or misdirection at the injury site, and growth to inappropriate end organs may compromise successful regeneration, leading to poor clinical results. Recent studies indicate that low‐intensity electrical stimulation is equivalent to various growth factors, offering avenues to improve these outcomes. We present a review of studies using electric and electromagnetic fields that provide evidence for the enhancement of regeneration following nerve injury.

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