
S. Houston Payne, Jr., MD
Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon
Traumatic nerve injury refers to damage to the nerves in the arm caused by accidents, falls, or other forms of trauma. Nerves play a critical role in controlling both sensation and movement in the arm, making it essential to address any injuries promptly.
At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, we specialize in diagnosing and treating various forms of nerve injury. Our team, based in Marietta and Atlanta, GA, offers advanced care to help you regain function and relieve pain. Call us today to schedule a consultation.Â
The arm houses several essential nerves that control movement and sensation. When these nerves are damaged due to trauma, the effects can range from mild discomfort to severe impairment, depending on the specific nerve and extent of the injury. Understanding the roles of these nerves and how their damage can affect the arm is crucial for identifying symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment. The primary nerves in the arm include the median nerve, ulnar nerve, radial nerve, axillary nerve, and musculocutaneous nerve.
The median nerve runs from the shoulder to the hand, playing a critical role in the movement and sensation of the forearm and hand, particularly in the thumb and index finger. It passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, making it susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Damage to the median nerve can result in pain, numbness, and weakness, especially when conditions like pronator teres syndrome or anterior interosseous nerve syndrome arise. These conditions affect fine motor skills, such as pinching or gripping, which can impair daily activities.
The ulnar nerve runs along the inner side of the arm and controls sensation in the ring finger and little finger. It also influences the strength and coordination of the hand muscles.
Compression or injury to this nerve, often at the elbow (leading to cubital tunnel syndrome), can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, impacting tasks that require precision, like typing or playing musical instruments.
The radial nerve is responsible for extending the wrist and fingers, as well as providing sensation to the back of the hand. It also aids in forearm rotation through the pronator teres muscle nerve.
Injuries to the radial nerve, often resulting from fractures or compression, can lead to a condition known as “wrist drop,” where the ability to extend the wrist and fingers is lost. This can significantly affect one’s ability to perform everyday tasks like holding or lifting objects.
The axillary nerve controls the deltoid muscle, which is essential for lifting the arm at the shoulder.
Damage to this nerve, which may occur due to shoulder dislocations or fractures involving the brachial artery, can lead to difficulty raising the arm and a loss of sensation in the shoulder area. This can impair basic movements and affect overall arm mobility.
The musculocutaneous nerve is critical for flexing the elbow and rotating the forearm. It also provides sensation to the skin of the forearm. Injury to this nerve can result in weakness when bending the elbow, making it challenging to lift or carry objects. Sensory loss in the forearm can also occur, impacting the overall function of the arm.
To diagnose a traumatic nerve injury, a doctor will typically conduct a physical examination and may use imaging techniques or nerve conduction studies to assess the extent of the damage.
Treating your nerve injury will depend on the severity. The following are some treatments available for treating nerve injuries:
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a peripheral nerve injury, such as weakness, numbness, or pain in your arm, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.Â
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of recovery and help prevent long-term damage. At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, we provide expert care for a range of nerve injuries, including conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and brachial plexus injuries.
Our team, based in Marietta and Atlanta, GA, is among the top in the region, offering both surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to your needs. Contact us at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow today to schedule a consultation and explore the treatment options that can help you regain strength, mobility, and relief from pain.
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