Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment - Spine Care/Surgery

Overview
Peripheral nerves are those situated outside of the spinal cord or brain and are found throughout the body, and in the arms and legs. Peripheral nerve issues often involve one specific nerve or a network of nerves and cause symptoms such as burning, tingling, numbness and pain. Some people experience sensitivity to touch and muscle weakness.

In some cases where medications are other physical therapy treatments don't offer relief, corrective surgery may be indicated. A type of neurosurgery, peripheral nerve surgery can help treat:

• Tumors
• Nerve damage caused by trauma
• Brachial plexus injury (BPI)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Ulnar nerve entrapment
• Meralgia Paresthetica

Who Benefits from Peripheral Nerve Surgery?
Carpal tunnel syndrome, brachial plexus injuries, nerve tumors and other injuries that affect nerve conduction, stimulation and response may be considered for peripheral nerve surgery procedures. The surgical approach will be determined by the condition, the severity of the condition, overall patient health and wellness, and the neurosurgeons recommendations.

Peripheral Nerve Surgery Basics
Peripheral nerve surgery may be performed by either peripheral nerve decompression surgery or dinner for peer surgery. Peripheral nerve decompression is the technique most used on the extremities.

Peripheral nerve decompression surgery focuses on removing two shoes and objects that interfere with nerve function, such as ulnar nerve entrapment, where the nerve is often compressed between bone, joint, or ligament tissues.

Peripheral nerve surgery may involve sewing severed nerve ends back together, through nerve graphs, or nerve transfer, where a donor nerves from another part of the person's body may be used to bridge a gap between torn, damaged or dead nerve endings.

In most cases, surgical intervention for peripheral nerve damage will be performed endoscopically. Patients may be anesthetized using local anesthetic or mild sedation, and may be performed on an outpatient basis.

When utilizing an endoscopic approach to peripheral nerve surgery, small incisions are made into the area such as the rest are hand for carpal tunnel syndrome.  An endoscope, or a small camera attached to a long, thin two will be inserted into the incision.  This allows the surgeon to view ligaments, nerves and surrounding tissues during the surgery.

Other instruments such as probes may be utilized in peripheral nerve surgery, again depending on location and type of injury.  Delicate nerve surgeries, such as those performed on the brachial plexus, may require highly skilled and knowledgeable neuro surgeons, and may utilize microscopic tools, electrodes, or other very fine and precise high-tech surgical equipment.

Microsurgical techniques and procedures offer a precise and exact movements, especially in the removal of neurofibromatosis, or tumors found inside or surrounding nerve tissues.

How Much Does Peripheral Nerve Surgery Cost?
Cost of peripheral nerve surge ear will depend on the location of the nerve damage. In the United States, Peripheral nerve surgery may cost up to $30,000, depending on location of the nerve damage as well as the surgical approach.  However, travelers to India may benefit from the same type of surgery for roughly $5,500. Travelers to Thailand, Singapore, Turkey or Croatia may save up to 80% on costs incurred in the United States for peripheral nerves surgical procedures.

Who Performs Peripheral Nerve Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgeries should be performed by a experienced neurosurgeons trained in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Laparoscopic neurosurgeons should be familiar with a variety of procedures utilizing laparoscopic technique and equipment in his or her field of study or specialty. Surgeons who perform laparoscopic surgeries should be board-eligible or certified practicing surgeons, Residents or Fellows in accredited programs including neurosurgeons who specialize in gynecology, urology, and oncology and other medical fields and disciplines.