Nerve pain after trauma

What is the condition?
Nerve pain following injury is very common.  In some studies, approximately 30-50% of individuals have pain following trauma.  Many patients with chronic pain following trauma have recognized or unrecognized nerve injuries.  Sometimes, the pain is in the distribution of a peripheral nerve, which confirms the nerve involved with the problem.

How is nerve pain after trauma diagnosed?
This can be diagnosed with a careful history and physical examination, and nerve blocks are often administered to determine the distribution of symptoms and the possibility of nerve involvement. Our providers will carefully evaluate the precise distribution of your symptoms and will review the relevant peripheral nerve anatomy in order to determine if nerve injury or irritation is contributing to your symptoms. 

How is nerve pain after trauma treated?
Most times, a multidisciplinary approach is warranted, and some patients benefit from surgical procedures.   This may involve nerve decompression, nerve repair or nerve transfer.