Peripheral Nerve Services In Memphis | University Plastic Surgeons

Memphis Peripheral Nerve Care

The peripheral nervous system includes the body’s networks of nerves outside the spinal cord and brain. Peripheral nerves connect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the muscles and organs of the body. They control muscle contractions and relay sensory information from different areas of the body to the central nervous system.

Most cases of nerve pain (neuropathy) involve peripheral nerves. Whether caused by diabetes, trauma, metabolic problems, or infections, peripheral nerve issues can cause debilitating pain and discomfort. At University Plastic Surgeons in Memphis, we provide state-of-the-art treatment for a range of peripheral nerve conditions.

Treatment for Peripheral Nerve Damage in Memphis

At University Plastic Surgeons in Memphis, we offer a range of advanced treatments for patients with peripheral nerve problems. These services include pain management, migraine treatment, hand surgery, and migraine surgery.

Depending on the symptoms and causes, peripheral neuropathy may be treated with medications, various therapies, or surgery. Medications used for this purpose include pain relievers and topical treatments, such as capsaicin cream and lidocaine patches. Therapies to treat peripheral neuropathy include:

Physical therapy: To improve movement in patients with muscle weakness.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): Electrodes placed on the skin deliver varying frequencies of gentle electric current.
Plasma exchange: The patient’s blood is removed, antibodies and proteins are removed from the blood, and the blood is returned to the body.
Intravenous immune globulin: The patient is given high levels of proteins that work as antibodies.

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Causes of Peripheral Nerve Damage

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to peripheral nerves. It has a number of causes, including:

Diabetes

Neuropathy affects more than half the people with this condition.

Trauma

Motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, and other trauma can damage or sever peripheral nerves. Repetitive motion injuries can also lead to nerve pressure.

Infections

Certain viral and bacterial infections, including shingles, hepatitis C, diphtheria, HIV, Lyme disease, and leprosy can cause peripheral nerve damage.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Vitamin E and certain B vitamins, including B1, B6, B12, and niacin, are essential to peripheral nerve health.

Medications

Chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer can cause peripheral nerve pain.

Toxic Exposure

Peripheral nerve problems can be caused by exposure to toxic substances, including chemicals and heavy metals.

Disease

Autoimmune disease, certain inherited disorders, bone marrow disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, connective tissue disorders, and hypothyroidism can cause damage to the peripheral nerves.

Symptoms of Peripheral Nerve Problems

The peripheral nervous system involves:

Sensory nerves (receiving sensation, including pain, vibration, temperature, and touch)
Motor nerves (controlling muscle movement)
Autonomic nerves (controlling blood pressure, heart rate, bladder, digestion, and other autonomic functions)

Symptoms of peripheral nerve damage will depend on the type of nerve affected. Peripheral neuropathy symptoms may include:

Numbness, tingling, or prickling in the hands or feet, sometimes spreading upward to the arms or legs
Sharp, jabbing, freezing, burning, or throbbing pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Lack of muscle coordination and falling
Intolerance to heat and altered sweating
Changes in blood pressure, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Digestive, bladder, or bowel problems

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(901) 866-8525

University Plastic Surgeons 1068 Cresthaven Rd, Suite 500 Memphis, TN 38119

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