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Peripheral Nerve Injury

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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.

Providers

Our care team is here for you. Find a UR Medicine expert and get care now.

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Locations

We serve you in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region.

1 location

Neurosurgery - Brighton

2180 South Clinton Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618

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