Nerve Conditions We Treat:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic (long-lasting) pain condition most often affecting one of the limbs (arm or leg). This condition was previously called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD).

The pain can be from an unknown nerve injury, CRPS-1, or a confirmed nerve injury, CRPS-II. It is believed to be caused by a malfunction of the peripheral and central nervous systems.

The key symptom of CRPS is continuous, intense pain out of proportion to the severity of the injury. Other symptoms may include changes in skin temperature, color, sensitivity or texture.

Treatment of CRPS often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining physical therapy, medications, nerve blocks, psychological support, and sometimes surgery or other procedures. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment often lead to better outcomes.

Compressive Neuropathies

These occur when a nerve is compressed at a specific site, leading to damage or dysfunction of the nerve. Some common examples of compressive neuropathies are carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome, but can happen to any peripheral nerve. Treatment consists of medication, therapies, injections and surgery. 

Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) where the head is moved in a forceful, often sudden way. When this happens, the brain can bounce around inside the skull causing damage. TBI symptoms can be physical, cognitive, or emotional, and include: loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, blurred vision, dizziness or balance issues, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, sensitivity to light or sound, memory or concentration issues, mood swings, depression or anxiety.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

This condition occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs through the elbow, becomes compressed. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the arm and hand.

Gait Instability and Balance Difficulties

When proper movement is compromised, whether the cause stemming from neurologic conditions, post-surgical, scoliosis, structural abnormalities or weakness, it results in pain, changes in gait pattern, and/or balance deficits. When there is an imbalance in gait that goes untreated, it may cause further complications.  By identifying the source, it can be accurately treated by a physical therapist.

Common gait abnormalities include ataxia, toe walking, waddling and foot drop. These gait abnormalities can lead to balance difficulties. Other reasons to have balance difficulties include pain and neuropathies.

Headaches

A headache is a common condition characterized by pain or discomfort in the head or upper neck area. It can range from mild to severe, intermittent to constant, and can last from a few minutes to several days. There are different types of headaches including tension-type headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. Treatment for headaches depends on the underlying cause and type of headache. Treatment options include over-the-counter pain relievers, lifestyle changes, prescription medications and other therapies.

Meralgia Paresthetica

Meralgia paresthetica is a condition characterized by tingling, numbness, and burning pain in the outer part of your thigh. The condition is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which provides sensation to your upper leg. This nerve might be compressed by tight clothing, obesity, pregnancy, or due to conditions like diabetes. It is also occasionally due to an injury or a disease like a tumor or a disease that causes inflammation in tissues of the body, such as sarcoidosis.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease involving damage to the sheaths of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, spasticity, problems with coordination and balance, and problems with thinking and memory. From a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) perspective, the management of MS centers on improving and maintaining function, managing symptoms, and enhancing the quality of life for patients. This includes treatment for pain and spasticity. This often requires a multi-disciplinary approach, involving physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and others.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to your peripheral nerves, the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. This often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, typically in your hands and feet, but it can also affect other areas of your body. There are many types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own set of symptoms and prognosis. Symptoms can range from temporary numbness, tingling, and pricking sensations, to muscle weakness, and severe disability. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins. The most common causes are diabetes, medications, especially those used to treat cancer (chemotherapy), vitamin deficiencies, and conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, and alcoholism.

Piriformis Syndrome

This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs through the piriformis muscle in the buttocks, becomes compressed. The result can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the buttocks and legs.

Post Herpetic Neuralgia (Shingles)

Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles, which is caused by the chickenpox (herpes zoster) virus. This disorder results in severe pain in the areas where the shingles outbreak originally occurred, and this pain can persist long after the rash has healed, sometimes for months or even years. Treatment can be difficult and often involves different types of pain management strategies, including topical skin creams, pain relieving drugs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, opioids, and sometimes local anesthetic injections or even nerve blocks.

Stroke

A stroke, or a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is either interrupted or reduced. When this happens, the brain does not get enough oxygen or nutrients, causing brain cells to start dying within minutes. This condition can result in muscle weakness, including facial muscles, speech difficulties and balance issues.

Stroke rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery after a stroke. Its goal is to help you return to independent living by relearning the skills you lost as a result of the stroke, which may include basic activities like walking, talking, or taking care of yourself (such as dressing, bathing, and eating).

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

This condition occurs when the tibial nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the ankle called the tarsal tunnel, becomes compressed. The result can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot and toes.

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs from an external force to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. The severity of TBI can range from mild (a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to severe (an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury).

TBI symptoms can be physical, cognitive, or emotional, and include: loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, blurred vision, dizziness or balance issues, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, sensitivity to light or sound, memory or concentration issues, mood swings, depression or anxiety.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

This condition occurs when the nerves and blood vessels that run through the thoracic outlet (an area between the neck and shoulder) become compressed which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm and hand.