Brachial Plexus & Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Nerve injuries are time sensitive and need quick care. Peripheral nerve injuries, including brachial plexus, require expert care you can’t find just anywhere. At Cedars-Sinai, you get a prompt appointment so we can determine a treatment plan.
Our Approach to Brachial Plexus & Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Your peripheral nerves connect the spinal cord and brain to the rest of the body. They control movement and feeling in all the parts of your body. Trauma, compression or medical conditions can cause peripheral nerve injuries. Viruses can also turn off nerve signals. These injuries can cause pain or loss of muscle movement and feeling.
No other hospital on the West Coast treats all types of peripheral nerve injuries, from head to toe. These include:
- Bell’s palsy
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Diaphragm paralysis
- Foot drop
- Piriformis syndrome
- Phantom limb or stump pain after amputation
Quick and Comprehensive Assessments
Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) check how your nerves and muscles function. Imaging tests can detect pinched or damaged nerves.
Microsurgery for Nerve Injuries
With state-of-the-art microsurgery, we repair even the smallest nerves. We can reconnect nerves and transfer nerves from one part of the body to another.
Experienced Surgeons
We have the most experienced peripheral nerve surgery team on the West Coast. Our peripheral nerve surgeons specialize in advanced techniques for every type of nerve injury and damage.
Advanced Research
Our plastic surgeons conduct research to better understand how nerve damage happens and investigate new treatments. Research at Cedars-Sinai has led to many advances in treatment.
Our Brachial Plexus & Peripheral Nerve Expert Team
Our team treats complex nerve injuries with a combination of surgery and rehabilitation.
Brachial Plexus & Peripheral Nerve Surgery: What to Expect
Your treatment depends on:
- The type of nerve injury you have
- The location of the nerve damage
- How quickly you get treatment
Nerve decompression
Nerve decompression can take pressure off compressed nerves and reverse weakness, numbness and/or pain if performed early enough after symptoms start. It’s useful for:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Meralgia paresthetica
- Peroneal nerve entrapment
- Piriformis syndrome
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Nerve grafting
The surgeon cuts out a damaged section of nerve and splices in a “donor” nerve from your calf. The new section of nerve builds connections. This regrowth takes up to three years and requires occupational or physical therapy to strengthen the muscles.
Nerve transfer
A nerve transfer (or electrical bypass) is like a heart bypass. The surgeon takes a less important nerve from near the injury site and reroutes it to the injured nerve. Improvement takes less time than a nerve graft and can help muscles heal faster.
Targeted muscle reinnervation
Targeted muscle reinnervation can reduce or eliminate phantom limb pain or pain at an amputation stump. It involves cutting out the damaged nerve and connecting its healthy end to a nearby muscle’s nerve.
Ongoing therapy
Physical or occupational therapy helps you regain function. Our therapists understand the best exercises and techniques to help heal damaged nerves and strengthen your muscles. We may also recommend massage or biofeedback for facial nerve rehabilitation.
Have Questions About Plastic Surgery?
Call or send a message to the team. You can also have us call you back at your convenience.