Nerve Decompression

Nerve decompression encompasses any number of surgeries that aim to decrease the amount of pressure (or compression) on a nerve with the ultimate goal to increase its function (sensory or motor) or decrease associated pain. A few examples include microdictectomy to removed the compression of a spinal nerve by a herniated disc or external neurolysis that involves removing scar tissue or adhesions around a nerve.

Nerve Grafting

Nerve grafting is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged section of one nerve with a section of healthy nerve from elsewhere in the body (the donor site).

Nerve Repair

Nerve repair consists of a variety of surgical procedures that aim to restore function to injured nerve by directing the regenerating nerve fibers to their proper location. Technically, nerve repair is not the direct repair of nerve cells themselves. Instead, it involves the realignment of connective tissues in order for regenerating nerve fibers to be redirected to the proper location and regain function.

Nerve Transfers

Nerve transfer is a surgical technique that consists of disconnecting a functioning nerve and reconnecting it to an injured nerve in order to help regain function usually to a paralyzed limb. The most common location for successful nerve transfers are a variety of surgeries to regain function in the nerves of the arms by transferring nerves within the brachial plexus'a complex array of nerves around the shoulder that serve sensory and motor function in the arm and hand.

Neurosurgery Resident

A doctor who has completed both medical school and a surgical internship and is now in full-time training to become a neurosurgeon under the guidance of attending neurosurgeons.

PICC Line

A PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) is a long, thin, flexible catheter that is inserted into a vein in the arm and threaded into a larger vein near the heart. They are used to deliver antibiotics, chemotherapy, nutrition or intravenous fluids and can remain in place for weeks to months without the need to continually change every few days like normal IV lines.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is a term used to describe a pattern of pain, weakness and numbness that involves a single nerve root from the spinal cord. It is usually manifested as pain and numbness in a specific location in the arms or legs that are supplied by that nerve root and weakness in the muscle or muscles supplied by that root. One of the most common causes are of radiculopathy is a herniated disc in the lower back (leading to leg symptoms) or in the neck (leading to arm symptoms).