Nerve

Nerve

NERVE CARE

Injuries to a nerve can cause devastating pain and disability. Nerve damage can interrupt critical signals between the brain and muscles, preventing muscles from working properly. This may lead to debilitating pain and disrupting almost every aspect of normal life.
The CSOG Hand, Elbow and Nerve Center specialists are trained and seasoned in managing both traumatic and chronic peripheral nerve conditions afflicting the upper limb. At times, we are also consulted on isolated nerve conditions in the lower extremity. 
Nerve-related disorders of the hand can be especially frustrating, making it difficult to hold and use objects such as a coffee cup, pen, or cell phone. Nerve dysfunction can make you feel clumsy and awkward as you navigate through your day.
Common nerve conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by compression on the median nerve passing through the wrist, and cubital tunnel syndrome, which results from ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. We also specialize in traumatic nerve injuries or lacerations. Depending on the nerves involved, associated injuries, and time since injury, treatment options may involve nerve repair, nerve grafting, muscle/tendon transfer, or selected joint fusions.
nerve-care
Brachial plexus injuries (BPI), involving the nerves that control the upper limb from the neck through the shoulder, are less common but particularly devastating. The prognosis for these injuries and treatment options hinge on the location and degree of nerve injury along with the time frame involved. Many of these conditions will recover without operative intervention, but it may take months. Other patterns may require surgery in the form of nerve grafting, transfers, or muscle transfers to reanimate the upper limb at selected time intervals after injury. Determining the degree of nerve injury and anatomic location are key factors in deriving a prognosis and treatment options.
Dr. Watson has been treating these conditions since starting the brachial plexus clinic at Vanderbilt in 2009.
If you need treatment for nerve-related traumatic injuries or chronic conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, we are glad to help.
Call (719) 632-7669 to make an appointment today!
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