Peripheral nerves carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, muscles and skin. They can be squeezed, stretched, cut or affected by growths. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning pain, weakness, muscle wasting and loss of fine hand movements.

The doctor examines strength and sensation, and nerve conduction studies with EMG show which nerve is involved and how badly. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to look at the nerve itself. Mild compression often responds to splints, medicines, steroid injections and avoiding the activity that irritates the nerve.

When symptoms persist, or when muscle weakness is progressing, surgery can relieve pressure or repair the injured nerve. Timing is important after nerve injury, because muscles lose their ability to recover if reconnection is delayed for too long.

Peripheral nerve services at Apex include:

• Carpal Tunnel Release: Division of the ligament that squeezes the median nerve at the wrist, relieving tingling, night-time numbness and hand weakness.
• Ulnar Nerve Decompression: This procedure involves the release or repositioning of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, which helps relieve numbness in the ring and little fingers and improves grip strength.
• Nerve Injury Repair: Direct suturing or grafting of cut or severely damaged nerves, planned according to the injury, the time since it occurred and the nerve involved.
• Nerve Tumour Removal: Careful removal of benign growths on nerves, such as schwannomas, while protecting the working fibres of the nerve.