Final answer:
Patients with a severed spinal cord generally cannot regrow axons due to scar tissue and inhibitory factors. Limited healing capacity of the spinal cord usually results in permanent loss of function, though research into potential treatments continues.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient's spinal cord was severed in a car accident, it is generally not expected for the patient to successfully regrow axons within the spinal cord. This is because spinal cord injuries are known for their limited healing capacity. When axons in the spinal cord are badly damaged, permanent loss of function may ensue due to the creation of scar tissue and the presence of inhibitory factors that prevent axonal regrowth in the central nervous system. Although spinal nerve fibers attempt to regrow, the environment within the injured spinal cord often prevents successful regeneration.
Research into neuroplasticity and advancements in medical science continue to pursue potential treatments, such as stem cell transplants and methods to reduce post-injury inflammation. While some people recover, many are left with lasting paralysis due to the difficulty in treating these kinds of injuries.