Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

Mord42 t1_jdtyoy1 wrote

Reply to comment by DocTreeMedicinal in Why does mild compression lead to paresthesia but not paralysis? by Hola3008

But why does the sensory neurons go before motor neurons? The same is true for peripheral hypothermia, for example. When your hands are exposed to cold temperatures and go numb, you can still move the muscles but not feel anything, even with your proprioceptors.

7

smallbutlazy t1_jdu1n9y wrote

That is a really good question, I would like to know more myself.

This page has some clues, https://www.openanesthesia.org/keywords/peripheral_nerves_sensory_vs_motor/

regarding the motor nerves they do have a different composition and conduction velocity compared to nerves associated with sensory activity.

3

lollroller t1_jdvpuyf wrote

It is a good question. It is also true regarding both spinal disc herniation on nerve roots, and disc herniation on the spinal cord itself, that sensory pathways are involved far, far, earlier than motor pathways. And in fact, motor involvement is considered much more severe and is often what leads to surgical repair

3

Any_Respond_9011 t1_jdvlcef wrote

It could be that they are more important for survival, therefore it's "worth" making them more robust. It's unpleasant to wake up with tingly/numb legs, but it's much better than not being able to run/defend from danger because you can't control them.

1

Mord42 t1_jdvwy0p wrote

That makes sense but ultimately isn't a satisfying answer for me. Personally I'm more concerned about the specific biochemical pathways that control and cause this effect.

1