Snapshot A 32-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician with pain affecting the right hand. She states that the pain is worst in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. The pain is worst at night and at times wakes her up from sleep. She tries to put her hand in running warm water and shakes her hand in order to improve the pain. Extending the right hand worsens the pain. Medical history is significant for type II diabetes mellitus and obesity. She works as a secretary. She has a positive Phalen test. When discussing surgical treatment for her carpal tunnel syndrome, she asks what can occur if the nerve compression is not relieved. The physician explains the possibility of Wallerian degeneration. Introduction Definition login to view 2 more bullets When an axon is cut or crushed, it is divided into login to view 9 more bullets Axotomy (axonal transection) of peripheral nerves results in login to view 5 more bullets Wallerian degeneration occurs much more slowly in the central nervous system (CNS) than in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) login to view 5 more bullets