Patient Journeys
GET TO KNOW SOPHIA
Sophia was in high school when she first started experiencing trouble with her hand. Initially thought to be carpal or cubital tunnel, Sohia has since received additional treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (see more information below).
Sophia shares what she has learned through this care journey, how her peripheral nerve injury has impacted her life, how she found care, her experience working with OTs and PTs, and advice for others going through their own journey.
Sophia shares what she has learned through this care journey, how her peripheral nerve injury has impacted her life, how she found care, her experience working with OTs and PTs, and advice for others going through their own journey.
IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE
Peripheral nerve problems (compression, transection, or strething) can lead to muscle weakness, atrophy (loss of muscle) tingling, or even pain. These problems result from the nerves’ inability to signal to the target muscle. And, as described by Sophia, the symptoms can have a major impact on the lives of the patients.
Learn more about peripheral nerves and injuries.
Learn more about peripheral nerves and injuries.
ABOUT THE BRACHIAL PLEXUS
The brachial plexus is a large bundle of nerves that comes from the spinal cord in the neck (levels C5–T1, in yellow at left). These nerves travel between muscles in the neck, over the first rib, and under the collarbone before reaching the armpit, where they branch into the main nerves of the arm and hand (like the median, ulnar, and radial nerves). Because this nerve bundle runs through several tight spaces, it can be easily squeezed or irritated.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) happens when the nerves of the brachial plexus, and sometimes nearby blood vessels, are compressed as they pass through the thoracic outlet—the space between the neck and upper chest. In the most common type, called neurogenic TOS, pressure on the brachial plexus causes pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand, especially when the arm is raised or used overhead for a long time. Knowing the path and structure of the brachial plexus helps doctors figure out if symptoms are due to TOS or another nerve problem and decide on the best treatment.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) happens when the nerves of the brachial plexus, and sometimes nearby blood vessels, are compressed as they pass through the thoracic outlet—the space between the neck and upper chest. In the most common type, called neurogenic TOS, pressure on the brachial plexus causes pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand, especially when the arm is raised or used overhead for a long time. Knowing the path and structure of the brachial plexus helps doctors figure out if symptoms are due to TOS or another nerve problem and decide on the best treatment.
Finding care
Sophia was fortunate to receive a referral from her initial surgeon.
However, finding care for peripheral nerve problems can be difficult due to the fragmentation of care across multiple specialities that include orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, occupational therapists, physical therapists and more. The fact that peripheral nerve care is spread across so many specialities causes patients to visit more specialists (on average xxx) and delays time to care (over 3 years on average).
However, finding care for peripheral nerve problems can be difficult due to the fragmentation of care across multiple specialities that include orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, occupational therapists, physical therapists and more. The fact that peripheral nerve care is spread across so many specialities causes patients to visit more specialists (on average xxx) and delays time to care (over 3 years on average).
The GNF is working to create a directory of nerve specialists and a referral network for referring physicians to use all to shorten time to care and improve clinical outcomes. Visit the GNF Directory
WORKING WITH OTs and PTs
While many nerve problems are repaired surgically, the work of occupational (OTs) and physical (PTs) therapists play a crucial role in the healing of peripheral nerves.
Sophia describes how she worked with these medical professionals pre- and post-surgery to improve her healing and function of her arm following care.
Sophia describes how she worked with these medical professionals pre- and post-surgery to improve her healing and function of her arm following care.
ADVICE TO OTHERS
Peripheral nerve care can be a long, difficult journey. Sophia gives her thoughts and advice to others going through a similar experience by:
* Finding a specialist and
* STAYING POSITIVE!
Thank you for sharing your story with us Sophia!
* Finding a specialist and
* STAYING POSITIVE!
Thank you for sharing your story with us Sophia!