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nerve damage treatment options

determining nerve treatment

If you suspect nerve damage, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional. He or she may want to measure the extent of nerve injury to inform nerve treatment recommendations. Testing techniques include:

  • 2-point discrimination: A non-invasive procedure that tests a patient’s ability to feel the difference between two points on the skin
  • Mono filament test: A non-invasive procedure that places different-sized mono filaments on the skin to determine how small of a filament the patient can feel
  • Sensitivity test: Uses stimuli, such as heat and cold, to see if a patient can feel them
  • NSMTS: A non-invasive procedure to measure continuous pressure-specified sensation, grip and pinch strength
  • Ultrasound: A non-invasive test that uses sound waves to generate an image of the nerve
  • MRI/CT: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer tomography (CT) exams provide a detailed view of the body in the area where nerve damage is suspected
  • NCV: Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) measures how well electrical signals are conducted through the nerves
  • EMG: An electro-myogram (EMG) exam determines how well a motor nerve is working by measuring the electrical activity present in a muscle

treating nerve damage

Depending on the type of nerve damage, your doctor will provide recommendations for treatment. Read about treatment options for different types of nerve damage below.

severed nerves

The goal for severed nerves is to reconnect the nerve and restore signals between the body and the brain along the full length of the nerve.

direct repair

Nerves must be repaired with no tension on the nerve. If the nerve ends are close together and the tissue is healthy, a surgeon may suture the ends directly together.

nerve auto graft

A nerve from another area of the body is surgically removed and used to bridge the gap in the injured peripheral nerve and to guide the healing nerve fibres as they grow. The donor site from the transplant is left with a permanent loss of function. The donor site is selected carefully to minimise the impact.

processed nerve allograft

A human peripheral nerve is donated through the tissue donation process. It undergoes rigorous screening, processing to clear and remove cells and is sterilised before use. Like the nerve auto graft, it is used to bridge a gap in a peripheral nerve to guide the healing nerve fibres as they grow.

hollow tube conduit

A hollow tube conduit is made of collagen or synthetic material and is used to connect the nerve ends and hold them physically together. It has no inherent guidance for nerve fibres and is typically used for very short gaps (5mm and less) between the nerve ends.

nerve transfer

A surgeon may transfer a functioning nerve to take over an area of lost function. The transferred nerve delivers signals to the damaged nerve end. However, this means that there is a loss or a reduction of function from the donor site.

crushed and compressed nerves

The goal for crushed and compressed nerves is to relieve pressure and inflammation, as well as soft tissue attachments that may inhibit nerve movement.

nerve wraps

A nerve wrap protects the injured nerve during the healing process, acting as a cushion or barrier to protect the nerve from the pressure source and surrounding tissue.

nerve release

A surgical procedure relieves pressure on the entrapped nerve by cutting ligament(s) or tissue attachments surrounding the nerve. An example is carpal tunnel syndrome.

nerve repositioning (trans-positioning)

A surgical procedure slightly repositions the nerve to accommodate implants or natural obstructions, giving it more room.