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At Mayo Clinic, patients with nerve injuries benefit from the expertise of a highly specialized medical team with extensive experience in treating peripheral nerve injuries. The team can include neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons and rehabilitation specialists.
Patients with nerve injuries may be treated at Mayo Clinic at any stage: at the time of the injury; later, for evaluation and treatment; or for secondary treatment, where people have not recovered adequate function after previous treatment.
It is critically important that a person with a nerve injury receive medical care as soon as possible. Without timely, appropriate medical care (within nine to 12 months of the injury, preferably earlier), the injured nerves may no longer be repairable. With good medical care, nerve injuries can be repaired. Peripheral nerves have a remarkable ability to regenerate themselves.
The patient will first have a complete physical exam, along with a detailed history of symptoms and medical history, including information about accidents, falls or previous surgery. Sophisticated tests help determine the extent of nerve injury. Read more about peripheral nerve injury diagnosis.
Treatment is tailored to each individual, depending on the injury. Mayo surgeons can reconnect nerves or even transfer new nerves to restore function to injured muscles. Rehabilitation is also important, as the muscles controlled by injured nerves must be exercised in order to return to normal function. Read more about peripheral nerve injury treatment options.
Peripheral nerves are the extensive network of nerves that link the brain and spinal cord to all other parts of the body. Peripheral nerves are fragile and easily damaged. A nerve injury can interfere with the communication between the brain and the muscles controlled by the nerve, affecting a person's ability to move certain muscles or feel normal sensations.
Nerve injuries can occur anywhere in the body. Injuries to the sciatic and radial nerves (see symptoms page), as well as brachial plexus injuries, are commonly treated at Mayo Clinic.
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