Nerve Injuries
Nerve injuries is an all-encompassing term used to describe any traumatic damage to a nerve. Nerve damage can affect muscle function and cause loss of feeling. Nerve injuries can include force, such as a hit while playing sports or during a fall; a laceration in which the nerve is cut; or stretching that puts increased tension on the nerve.
Nerve injuries can be extremely complex, and treatment will vary based on the location and severity. An MRI can be used to evaluate the surrounding soft tissues and the extent of damage from the injury. An Electromyelogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) are other very common methods used to show the health of your nerves. A combination of pads and fine needles are used to determine the location of nerve injuries and help your orthopedic physician to determine treatment methods.
Our on-site diagnostics include x-ray and MRI to provide you with a convenient and comfortable evaluation.
Symptoms
- Burning, tingling, itching, or abnormal sensations in the skin
- Complete numbness in the skin
- Decreased function of an extremity or loss of function of certain muscle groups
- Abnormal reflexes
- Muscle twitching
Causes
- Injuries related to force. This may occur while playing sports or during a fall or vehicle accident for example.
- Injuries related to cuts. This may result in a nerve being partially or fully cut.
- Injuries related to stretching. This may occur when an extremity is hyper-flexed or extended, increasing the tension on a nerve.
Risk Factors
- Age – the ability to heal nerves lessens with time
- Level of injury – the closer to the spine the injury occurs typically results in more motor and sensory losses and is more difficult to heal
Diagnosis
- Physical examination of the affected areas
- Electromyelogram and Nerve Conduction Study to assess the condition of the nerves and location of injury
- MRI to show soft tissue health and evaluate other related injuries
- The OAL staff is always friendly and polite. Your diagnosis and treatment are explained in great in detail, so you truly understand what is going on. They also go above and beyond with insurance to get things preapproved, I would never go to another place.
- Universal welcoming attitude, listened to my wants and needs, efficient without hurrying, prompt exit processing.
- Great experience at Orthopedic Urgent Care at OAL Lancaster. Friendly and efficient receptionist, assistant and x-ray tech. Scott, the PA-C was phenomenal. Very personable, caring and knowledgeable. Diagnosed, gave thorough explanations and treated my condition promptly and effectively.
- I was amazed at the speed in which my daughter was seen by a doctor at urgent care. I just assumed it would be at least a 30 minute wait. Instead, we were in and out in 30 minutes!
- I knew I dislocated my finger when it was sticking out at a 45° angle from my hand. I thought I got it back into place, but was very grateful to have OAL‘s urgent care facility to go to to confirm. X-rays confirmed that it was still out of place and that there was also a fracture. I was then scheduled for an appointment with the hand specialist Dr. Griska five days later. I love having the option of an urgent care with orthopedic staff. Thank you OAL!