Peripheral Nerve Injuries & Compressive Neuropathies

The peripheral nerves are located outside of the brain and spinal cord. They carry information to the muscles to initiate movements as well as transporting sensory information back from the extremities and other tissues to the spinal cord and brain. When injured, they distort or interrupt the messages between the brain and the rest of the body. A nerve injury can affect your brain’s ability to communicate with your muscles and organs. Damage to the peripheral nerves is called peripheral nephropathy.

Peripheral nerve injury or disease can cause symptoms of pain, dysesthesias, and either partial or complete loss of sensory and motor function. A thorough clinical history, physical examination, electrodiagnostic evaluation, and relevant radiographic studies should be performed to distinguish a peripheral nerve problem from one involving the spinal cord or brain, bone, or soft tissues. In addition, early neurosurgical consultation should be obtained.

In more-severe peripheral nerve injuries both the fibers and the insulation are damaged, and the nerve may be completely cut. These types of injuries are very difficult to treat and recovery may not be possible.

It’s important to get medical care for a peripheral nerve injury as soon as possible because nerve tissue sometimes can be repaired. Early diagnosis and treatment in some cases can prevent complications and permanent injury.