Chronic Adult Hydrocephalus

Knowledge of Wallerian degeneration began in 1852 and, following experimental research on degeneration and regeneration of interrupted nerves, surgeons realized that reinnervation of end organs depended on growth of axons through the interrupted area of nerve. Therefore surgeons tried to reanastomose the stumps. Failures of reinnervation could not be blamed on lack of axoplasma metabolism and flow from cell body to suture line because the clinical observation of amputation neuromas and their constant recurrence demonstrated the unfailing delivery of axoplasma by the nerve cell body; at times to the deep concern of the surgeon, and the constant pain of the patient. The electron microscope sh…