Peripheral Nerve Injury

What is Peripheral Nerve Injury?

The peripheral nervous system includes 43 pairs of nerves that branch off from the central nervous system. This extensive network of nerves connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, allowing for proper sensation and movement. Injury to these nerves can be devastating and require expert diagnosis and management to restore optimal functioning.

What Causes Peripheral Nerve Injury?

Compression

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Meralgia paresthetica
Neuropathy
Occipital neuralgia
Peroneal nerve entrapment
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Ulnar nerve entrapment

Trauma

Blunt nerve trauma
Brachial plexus injury
Peroneal nerve injury
Postsurgical nerve injury

Tumor

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST)
Neurofibroma
Peroneal nerve injury
Neuroma
Schwannoma

What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Nerve Injury?

Symptoms of nerve damage very greatly, but can include:

Numbness or tingling
Burning pain
Loss of sensation
Loss of movement

UR Medicine's Treatments for Peripheral Nerve Injury

At UR Medicine, our focus is on wellness, excellent outcomes, and quality of life. If you need peripheral nerve surgery, you will have access to clinically effective treatments that use the newest technologies and expert surgeons.

Your treatment will vary based on your injury. Conservative management options include:

Medications
Orthotics
Physical and/or occupational therapy
Massage therapy
Weight loss

How Are Peripheral Nerve Injuries Diagnosed?

The UR Medicine Peripheral Nerve Surgery team uses some of the most advanced diagnostic imaging and electrodiagnostic testing to assess disease extent and severity.

Your provider may order diagnostic tests, such as:

Types of Peripheral Nerve Surgeries

If you need surgery, UR Medicine experts offer the following:

Brachial plexus surgery
Carpal tunnel release
Dorsal Root Entry Zone (DREZ)
Free muscle transfer
Nerve decompression
Nerve graft
Nerve repair
Nerve sheath tumor removal
Thoracic outlet syndrome surgery

Recovery from peripheral nerve surgery is about 1-2 weeks depending on the type of surgery. The nerve itself heals about 1 mm per day or about 1 inch per month. This means that if a nerve is injured in the forearm 6 inches above the hand, it will take about 6 months to see hand function improve.

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine is a world-class medical center and leading academic institution. Our providers offer outstanding patient-centered care and conduct breakthrough research in neurology. UR Medicine provides the widest range of neurosurgery and neuromedicine care in the Rochester region.

The UR Medicine Peripheral Nerve Surgery team offers complete, comprehensive care that ranges from conservative medical treatment and physical therapy to simple and complex surgeries. We will work with you to realize your full potential by incorporating lifestyle changes, which are essential to preventing recurrence of peripheral nerve pain. Our team offers both inpatient and outpatient surgery to minimize discomfort to patients and families.