After a dog bite, you need to seek treatment as quickly as possible. Early treatment can help reduce the risk of bacterial infections and other complications. At the hospital, doctors can assess the severity of the wound.
When it comes to dog bites, most people worry the most about open wounds. However, while open wounds are serious, you must also worry about complications such as nerve damage.
How does a dog bite result in nerve damage?
Dogs have a strong bite force. While their sharp teeth can cause tissue damage, the force of the bite can also cause damage to the underlying muscle and nerves. Even if your wound appears small and has minor puncture marks, there may be damage under the skin that you cannot see.
What are the signs of nerve damage?
Your nervous system controls everything your body does. It is responsible for your ability to sense heat, cold, pain and other sensations. Any time you have an injury resulting in compression or trauma, you could have lasting damage.
If you have nerve damage from a dog bite, you probably have sensory nerve damage. The sensory nerves relay information from your muscles and skin to your brain and spinal cord. The information allows you to feel pain. Sensory nerve damage after a dog bite could result in various symptoms, including:
- Numbness
- Sensitivity
- Pain
- Burning
- Tingling
Nerve damage can result in severe pain or loss of sensation in your skin and muscles. When a dog bite affects your nerves, it can cause permanent damage.
