Peripheral Nerve Diseases

Peripheral nerves are nerves that exit the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) and transmit signals to various parts of the body. These nerves control motor, sensory and autonomic functions. Peripheral nerves form an extensive network, reaching all parts of the body and performing essential functions. Peripheral nerves play a critical role in providing motor, sensory and autonomic functions of the body.

Motor Nerves: These are the nerves that control movement by sending signals to the muscles. Motor commands from the brain or spinal cord carry the signals needed for muscles to contract.
Autonomic Nerves: Nerves that control the body’s automatic functions (such as heartbeat, digestion, sweating). The autonomic nervous system is divided into two main subsystems:
Sympathetic Nervous System: Nerves that prepare the body under stress, such as the “fight or flight” response.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: Nerves that bring the body to a state of rest and recovery.

Peripheral nerves are made up of several main components:

Nerve Fibers: Long extensions that transmit sensory or motor signals.
Myelin Sheath: A fatty layer that surrounds some nerve fibers; it increases the speed of conduction.
Nerve Nodes: Points where nerves meet and transmit information (e.g. ganglia).

Major Peripheral Nerve Diseases;

Nerve Compression: Surgical intervention can be performed to relieve nerve compression, especially in cases such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Nerve Injuries: Repair of nerve injuries caused by trauma or accidents.
Nerve Inflammation or Infection: Treatment and repair of inflammation or infection of peripheral nerves.
Tumors: Removal or biopsy of tumors on peripheral nerves.
Nerve Repair and Reconstruction: Reconnecting or repairing nerves is necessary to restore function, especially after injury.

Causes of Nerve Pinching

Nerve compression occurs when the nerve is pressed by surrounding tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments). Common causes

Overuse: Repetitive movements (e.g. computer use) can lead to nerve compression.
Anatomical Structure: Congenital structural differences or bone spurs.
Trauma: Edema caused by injury or impact.
Obesity: Increased body weight can put extra pressure on the nerves.

Causes of Nerve Injuries

Nerve injuries are usually caused by physical trauma. Causes

Cuts: Knife wounds or injuries caused by sharp instruments.
Impacts: Damage to the nerves as a result of an accident or fall.
Inflammation: Damage to the nerves due to swelling or inflammation.

Causes of Nerve Inflammation and Infection

Nerve inflammation is usually caused by infections or problems with the immune system. Causes:

Viruses: Viral infections such as shingles virus (chickenpox) or HIV.
Bacterial Infections: Some bacterial infections such as Lyme disease.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves (for example, Guillain-Barré syndrome).

Nerve Tumor Causes

Nerve tumors can originate from nerve cells or surrounding tissues. Causes:

Genetic Factors: Family history of nerve tumors.
Environmental Factors: Some environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation.
Benign or Malignant Tumors: Schwannomas (benign) or malignant nerve tumors.

Symptoms of Peripheral Nerve Diseases

The areas around the injured nerve may feel numb or tingling. This sensation is often described as a “pinprick”.
Nerve injuries are usually characterized by a sharp or burning pain. The pain can also be felt away from the site of the injury and is called “referred pain”.
The injured nerve can affect the functioning of the muscles involved, leading to reduced muscle strength or a feeling of weakness.
There may be a loss of sensation in areas connected to the injured nerve. In particular, sensations such as touch, temperature or pain may decrease or disappear.
There may be loss of sensation in areas connected to the injured nerve. In particular, sensations such as touch, temperature or pain may be reduced or lost.
Nerve injuries can cause a reduction or loss of normal reflexes. In some cases, reflexes can become overactive.
Loss of balance can occur, especially if the nerves in the legs are affected.
Nerve injuries in the hands and fingers can affect fine motor skills.
An injured nerve can cause muscle cramps or involuntary muscle spasms.
Nerve injuries can cause changes in the perception of heat and cold, which can affect the body’s response to these sensations.

Things to Know About Peripheral Nerve Surgery:

Decompression in cases such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve compression (Tennis Elbow), nerve repair after cuts or trauma, removal of tumors on the nerve, microsurgical intervention is required for the treatment of congenital nerve problems.

Operation Duration	Anesthesia	Recovery Time		Return to Work
20 minutes -1.5 hours	Local Anesthesia	none	2 weeks	7 Days