To find out (diagnose) what affects you, a comprehensive neurological exam and history is required. Often, imaging with MRI or CT is also needed. Sometimes, EMG (electromyography) with NCV (nerve conduction velocity) is also obtained. A spinal tap may also be needed to discover any abnormalities in your spinal fluid.
Some nerve conditions require medication to treat. For instance, diabetes is a common cause of neuropathy (i.e., disease of nerve). Others are difficult to treat with current medical means (some degenerative neuromuscular diseases, like ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease). Some can be treated with neurosurgery.
The most common nerve conditions that can be treated by neurosurgery are:
- Entrapment (carpal tunnel disease, cubital tunnel disease, peroneal nerve entrapment)
- Trauma
- Tumors (link to nerve tumor section)
At Ohio State's Medical Center and The James, a multidisciplinary team of physicians will work with you on your nerve problems.
