Nerve Surgery & Treatments
Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Conditions
Peripheral nerves are situated outside the brain and spinal cord. Conditions affecting these nerves, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, interfere with the messages between the brain and the body. Symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders include muscle weakness, numbness, burning or tingling, and sensitivity to touch.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel is characterized by the firmness of nerves in the wrist. It affects one’s capability of using their wrist and hand. The median nerve is pressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. Median nerve is responsible for sensitivity and motorized functions in the palm.
Causes
- Metabolic and hormonal changes such as thyroid imbalance, pregnancy, or menopause
- Bone and joint diseases like osteoarthritis, arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
- High or low blood sugar levels
- Wrist injuries
Symptoms
- Numbness or pain that worsens at night
- Inability to grip objects and difficulty to manipulate small objects such as buttoning
- Tingling and burning sensation in the thumb, index, and the middle finger
Diagnosis
Carpal Tunnel is diagnosed through a physical exam, an electrodiagnostic study may be recommended to test the nerves. The test stimulates the muscles and the nerves to prove how well they work. Treatment is determined by overall health and medical history: age, the condition of the wrist and the stage of the disease, tolerance of medication, procedures, and available treatments.
Surgery Options
Tyler Neurosurgical offers two types of surgeries: endoscopic and open surgery. During open surgery, a specialist incisions the wrist and cuts the tissue pressing the nerve. An elongated, thin rod is inserted in a tiny cut during endoscopic surgery.
Ulnar Nerve Compression
The ulnar nerve is a division of brachial plexus nerve system. Ulnar nerve works together with the median nerve to bring responsiveness to the flexor muscles of the feet and hand, which allows bending. Ulnar nerve compression is caused by pressure on the nerve in the arm.
Surgery is recommended in case non-surgical treatments fail.
Symptoms
- Tenderness or weakness in the hand
- A tingling feeling
- Elbow joint tenderness
- Sensitivity to cold
Diagnosis
A proper diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical exam, also including an electrodiagnostic study to check conduction of the nerves in hand and wrist. Ulnar nerve treatment recommendations depend on the severity of the compression:
- Physiotherapy to strengthen ligaments and tendons
- Wear splints to immobilize elbow
- Use anti-inflammatory drugs and other pain relievers
Learn More
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ViewMedica offers videos of neurological disorders and treatments such as:
- Tumors
- Alzheimer Disease
- Aneurysms
- AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation)
- Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Pain)
- Parkinson's Disease & Essential Tremor
- Hydrocephalus