What types of nerve conditions does The Institute of Ohio treat?
The Institute of Ohio specializes in complex nerve conditions from head to toe—including neuropathy, occipital neuralgia, pudendal neuralgia, facial paralysis, pelvic outlet syndrome, foot drop, phrenic nerve injury, and more. Whether your symptoms are persistent, unexplained, or worsening despite other care, our nerve specialists offer advanced diagnostic and surgical options that may offer long-term relief.
What is nerve reconstruction?
Nerve reconstruction is a surgical procedure that repairs or reroutes damaged nerves to restore function, reduce pain, or regain sensation. It may involve nerve grafts, nerve transfers, or decompression depending on the location and severity of the injury. This technique is often used after trauma, surgery, or when nerves are compressed or severed.
What is the difference between nerve repair, nerve transfer, and tendon transfer?
- Nerve repair reconnects damaged nerve ends to restore natural signaling
- Nerve transfer redirects a healthy nerve to restore function in a more critical area
- Tendon transfer repositions functioning muscles to restore movement when nerve recovery is no longer possible
Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your condition and goals.
How successful is nerve surgery?
Success rates for nerve surgery depend on the condition, timing of treatment, and the type of procedure. Many patients experience meaningful improvements in motion, strength, or pain relief—especially when surgery addresses the true underlying cause. Early evaluation often increases the chance of full or partial recovery.
Is surgery always necessary for upper extremity injuries?
Not all injuries require surgery. However, when there is significant nerve damage, loss of function, or failure to improve with time or therapy, surgical intervention can offer meaningful restoration of movement and strength.
How long does it take for a nerve to heal after surgery?
Nerve healing is gradual. It typically occurs at a rate of about 1 millimeter per day, depending on your health and the distance the nerve must regenerate. Some patients see improvements in weeks, while others notice continued recovery over several months. Your care team will monitor progress and guide rehab as needed.
How do I know if my injury requires surgery or if therapy is enough?
Your physician will evaluate the type and severity of nerve or structural damage through physical examination, imaging, and electrical testing. If complete nerve tears, avulsions, or non-recovering injuries are identified, surgery is often the most effective path to restoring function.
What kind of doctor treats nerve pain?
Nerve pain is best treated by a nerve specialist—often a surgeon with advanced training in peripheral nerve conditions. At The Institute of Texas, our surgeons specialize in nerve repair and reconstruction, offering care that goes beyond pain management to address the source of dysfunction.
How do I know if my upper extremity injury involves nerve damage?
Symptoms such as persistent numbness, tingling, weakness, burning pain, or loss of movement in the shoulder, arm, or hand may indicate nerve involvement. A specialized evaluation—including imaging and nerve studies—can confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
How do I know if I'm a candidate for surgery?
Surgical candidacy depends on your diagnosis, symptom severity, and previous treatments. If you've been told your condition is untreatable, or you’ve tried conservative therapies without relief, our team can evaluate your case and determine if surgical intervention—such as nerve decompression, reconstruction, or transfer—could improve your outcomes.
Do I need a referral to request an evaluation?
No referral is required for most patients. You can request an evaluation directly through our website. However, if your provider would like to send clinical notes or imaging, we welcome collaborative input and offer streamlined referral forms for ease.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Please bring any relevant medical records, imaging studies (e.g., MRIs, EMGs), prior surgical reports, and a list of treatments you’ve tried. These help our specialists assess your full history and tailor your evaluation plan.
I’ve been told my pain is 'in my head.' Can you still help?
Yes. Many of our patients come to us after years of misdiagnosis or dismissal. If your symptoms point to a nerve-related issue—even without a clear diagnosis—we offer advanced testing and evaluation that may uncover treatable causes.
What makes your nerve care different from traditional clinics?
We go beyond symptom management. Our surgeons specialize in identifying and surgically addressing the root cause of nerve pain, dysfunction, or paralysis. We combine deep anatomical expertise with decades of microsurgical experience to restore motion, sensation, and quality of life.
What if I have multiple overlapping symptoms?
We frequently treat patients with complex, overlapping nerve conditions. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to evaluate symptoms systemically—often identifying links between seemingly unrelated pain areas. One evaluation may reveal multiple treatable causes.
How soon can I be seen?
Availability varies by location and condition, but we prioritize patients with urgent symptoms or quality-of-life impairments. If you’re experiencing worsening pain, balance issues, or signs of nerve damage, request an evaluation right away and our intake team will respond promptly.
How long does recovery take after nerve or upper extremity surgery?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure and severity of the injury. Nerve regeneration is gradual and may take several months to over a year, while tendon transfer procedures may restore movement more quickly after healing and rehabilitation.
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