There are three main types of nerves in the body:
- spinal nerves - control most of the body/trunk and connect within the spinal cord
- cranial nerves - control parts of the head and connect directly to the brain
- peripheral nerves - handle the outward areas of the body and are found in enclosed bundles of nerve cable
Damage to nerves in the body can be caused by any sort of physical injury or swelling, autoimmune diseases, infection or blood vessel failure surrounding the nerve.
A pinched nerve occurs when pressure is placed on a nerve usually caused by swelling from an injury or pregnancy. Pinched nerves can result in pain, numbness, weakness or potential paralysis depending on the severity of the injury.
Damage to nerves is usually evaluated and diagnosed through physical examination, which can include testing:
- reflexes
- walking
- directed movements
- muscle weakness
- proprioception
- sense of touch
If inconclusive, the physical examination may also be followed by an EMG or nerve conduction study to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
Peripheral Nerve Surgery can include the following:
- Brachial Plexus Injury
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cubital (Ulnar) Tunnel Syndrome
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation