Peripheral Nerve /
Brachial Plexus
Brachial plexus injuries are a type of nerve injury that can occur when the nerves in the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that control movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand, are damaged. These injuries can occur due to trauma, such as a car accident or sports injury, or from a medical condition.
Symptoms of brachial plexus injuries can vary depending on the location and extent of the damage. Common symptoms include weakness or paralysis in the arm or hand, numbness or tingling, and difficulty with fine motor skills, such as grasping objects or writing.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a brachial plexus injury, it’s important to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. A thorough physical examination, including a neurological exam, can help determine the extent of the injury and guide treatment.
Treatment for brachial plexus injuries depends on the severity and location of the damage. Mild injuries may improve with rest and physical therapy, while more severe injuries may require surgical intervention. Surgery may involve nerve grafting or nerve transfer procedures, which involve transferring healthy nerves from another part of the body to the damaged area.
Recovery from a brachial plexus injury can be a long process, and may involve ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation. The goal of treatment is to improve strength and function in the affected limb, reduce pain and discomfort, and restore quality of life.
Our team of experts has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of brachial plexus injuries. We’re committed to working closely with our patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their individual needs and goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you recover from a brachial plexus injury.
More information here.
Nerve Injury
What is a nerve injury?
Nerve injuries occur when one or more nerves are damaged or disrupted, leading to a loss of function or sensation in the affected area. Nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, so when they are damaged, this communication can be disrupted.
Nerve injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, disease, or repetitive stress. Some common types of nerve injuries include:
- Brachial plexus injuries: These occur when the nerves that control the arm and hand are damaged.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This condition results from compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
What are the symptoms of a nerve injury?
The symptoms of a nerve injury can vary depending on the location and severity of the injury. Common symptoms may include:
- Pain or discomfort in the affected area
- Tingling or numbness
- Weakness or muscle atrophy
- Loss of sensation or movement
- Changes in skin temperature or color
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as nerve injuries can worsen over time and may require prompt treatment to prevent long-term damage.
How are nerve injuries diagnosed?
Diagnosing a nerve injury typically involves a thorough physical exam, medical history, and diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography. Imaging tests such as MRI or Ultrasound may also be used to visualize the affected area and determine the extent of the injury.
How are nerve injuries treated?
Treatment for a nerve injury depends on the location and severity of the injury. Mild injuries may heal on their own with time and rest, while more severe injuries may require surgery or other forms of treatment. Some common treatment options for nerve injuries include:
- Medications to manage pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy to improve range of motion and muscle strength
- Surgery to repair or reconstruct damaged nerves
- Nerve blocks or other interventions to manage pain and other symptoms
We hope this information has been helpful in understanding nerve injuries. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Nerve Transfer
If you’ve suffered a nerve injury, you know firsthand the impact it can have on your quality of life. Everyday tasks can become difficult or impossible, and the pain and frustration can be overwhelming. But there is hope. Nerve transfers are a cutting-edge surgical technique that can restore nerve function and help you get back to the life you love.
What is a nerve transfer?
Nerve transfer surgery is a type of reconstructive surgery that involves transferring a healthy nerve from one part of your body to a damaged area. This allows the healthy nerve to take over the function of the damaged nerve and can help restore movement, sensation, and muscle control.
Nerve transfers are most commonly used to treat injuries to the brachial plexus, which is a network of nerves that controls movement and sensation in the arms and hands. These injuries can be caused by traumatic events such as car accidents or sports injuries.
How does the surgery work?
During the surgery, your surgeon will identify a healthy nerve in your body that can be used to restore function to the damaged area. They will then make an incision at the donor site and carefully detach the healthy nerve from its original location. The nerve is then transferred to the damaged area and attached to the nerves that control the affected muscles or provide sensation to the affected area.
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the injury and the complexity of the surgery, but most patients experience some improvement in function within a few months of the surgery. Full recovery can take up to a year or more.
Why choose nerve transfer surgery?
Nerve transfer surgery offers several advantages over other surgical techniques for nerve injuries. For one, it can be performed earlier than other types of reconstructive surgery, which means you may experience faster recovery times and better outcomes. Additionally, nerve transfers can be used to treat more severe injuries that may not be amenable to other types of surgery.
If you’re considering nerve transfer surgery, it’s important to find a skilled and experienced surgeon who specializes in this type of procedure. Our team of experts has years of experience performing nerve transfers and we’re committed to helping our patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how nerve transfer surgery can help you regain function and get back to the life you love.
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation
If you’re experiencing neuroma pain or looking to improve the function of your prosthetic limb, targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
What is targeted muscle reinnervation?
TMR is a surgical technique that involves transferring the nerves that once controlled a lost limb to nearby muscles that are still intact. This allows the nerves to continue sending signals to the muscles, which can help reduce pain and improve prosthetic function.
How does TMR work?
During the surgery, your surgeon will identify the nerves that previously controlled the lost limb and carefully detach them from their original location. They will then transfer these nerves to nearby muscles that are still intact and attach them to these muscles. This allows the nerves to continue sending signals to the muscles, which can help reduce pain and improve prosthetic function.
TMR is most commonly used to treat neuroma pain, which is a type of nerve pain that occurs when the nerves that were once connected to a lost limb continue to send signals to the brain, causing pain and discomfort. TMR can help reduce or eliminate this pain by redirecting the signals to nearby muscles.
Why choose TMR?
TMR offers several advantages over other types of surgical techniques for neuroma pain and prosthetic function. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can return home the same day as the surgery. Recovery time is typically minimal, and most patients experience significant pain relief and improved prosthetic function within a few months of the surgery.
If you’re considering TMR, it’s important to find a skilled and experienced surgeon who specializes in this type of procedure. Dr. Lovy and his team have extensive experience performing TMR and we’re committed to helping our patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how TMR can help reduce neuroma pain and improve prosthetic function.