Overview
Diagnosis
To diagnose peripheral nerve injuries, a healthcare professional reviews your medical history, asking about accidents, surgeries, and current symptoms. A physical and neurological exam is conducted to assess nerve function.
Diagnostic tests may include:
• Electromyography (EMG), which uses a thin-needle electrode inserted into the muscle to record electrical activity at rest and during movement. Reduced activity can suggest nerve injury.
• Nerve conduction study, where electrodes at two points measure how well electrical signals pass through the nerves.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which produces detailed images of areas affected by nerve damage.
• Ultrasound, using high-frequency sound waves to visualize the damaged area.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type, severity, and cause of the nerve injury, as well as the nerve’s healing progress.
If the nerve is healing properly, surgery may not be needed. Resting the affected area and attending regular checkups can help monitor recovery, which may take months or years. If the injury is caused by a medical condition, treatment focuses on that underlying cause.
Medicines may be used to manage pain and symptoms:
• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
• Medications for depression, seizures, or insomnia to relieve nerve pain.
• Corticosteroid injections for pain relief in certain cases.
Physical therapy may be recommended to prevent stiffness and restore function.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed if the injury is not healing properly. Procedures include:
• EMG testing directly on the nerve in the operating room to assess recovery.
• Releasing a nerve trapped in a tight space or scar tissue.
• Nerve repair, reconnecting healthy nerve ends after removing a damaged section.
• Nerve grafts, using a piece of nerve from another part of the body to bridge a gap.
• Nerve transfers, moving tendons from one muscle to restore function to critical muscles.
Restoring function
To support muscle recovery and function, treatments may include:
• Braces or splints to maintain proper limb or joint position.
• Electrical stimulation to activate muscles served by the injured nerve.
• Physical therapy with specific movements or exercises to prevent stiffness and improve function.
• Exercise to strengthen muscles, maintain range of motion, and reduce cramps.
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