Wallerian degeneration in peripheral nerve disease

Abstract

This article first reviews the different classes of nerve injury. The temporal evolution of electrophysiologic changes occurring during Wallerian degeneration in humans is then described, followed by a description of sequential structural changes and cellular responses that occur after nerve transection. The final section focuses on the basis for resurgent research interest in Wallerian degeneration and the different research approaches being taken to answer basic science and clinical questions.