Nerve Palsies
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Conditions
- Nerve Palsies
Nerve palsy is a condition that results in loss or reduction of movement of a body part due to the paralysis of a nerve. This can occur from fractures (broken bones), lacerations (cuts), traction (nerve stretching), compression (external or internal), inflammation and/or infection. In all cases of nerve palsy, the involved nerve remains in-continuity, but it is not functioning normally.
Symptoms of nerve palsy vary depending on the nerve involved. In general, the symptoms include numbness/tingling, muscle weakness, loss of dexterity, and/or complete paralysis of the affected body part. Typically, the symptoms are temporary, and the patient will regain function. However, the recovery from a nerve palsy is variable, and the symptoms can last for hours, days, months, or years.
Treatment
The treatment of a nerve palsy is dependent upon which nerve is involved, the severity of the symptoms, and the cause of the symptoms. Frequently, a physician will order electrodiagnostic studies, or electromyography (an EMG) to evaluate the function and the recovery of the nerve. Splinting or bracing is usually recommended to prevent the joints from becoming contracted (or stuck in a certain position). Physical therapy or occupational therapy can be beneficial to maintain range of motion and to prevent stiffness. If there is internal compression on the nerve, surgery is sometimes performed to decompress the nerve. In general, the most important form of treatment is allowing the nerve to heal itself appropriately with time, which sometimes can take over a year. However, if the nerve does not recover, there are surgical options available, such as tendon transfers and nerve transfers, to help restore function.
