Complications with Peripheral Nerve Injury: Difference between revisions
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
Secondary complications of peripheral nerve injury can be a significant issue and impact of the rehabilitation process, and | |||
== Reduced Sensation == | == Reduced Sensation == | ||
Loss of [[sensation]] associated with | |||
=== Pressure Ulcers === | === Pressure Ulcers === | ||
Patients with decreased sensation as a result of a peripheral nerve injury are at increased risk of developing pressure ulcers, which can be harder to see on dark skin. A pressure ulcer is a localised injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear. A pressure sore can develop in a few hours, but the results can last for many months and can cause significant loss of function and impairment. A number of contributing or confounding factors are associated with pressure ulcers; but the significance of these factors is yet to be elucidated. Tissue injury is related to both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. | Patients with decreased sensation as a result of a peripheral nerve injury are at increased risk of developing pressure ulcers, which can be harder to see on dark skin. A pressure ulcer is a localised injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear. A pressure sore can develop in a few hours, but the results can last for many months and can cause significant loss of function and impairment. A number of contributing or confounding factors are associated with pressure ulcers; but the significance of these factors is yet to be elucidated. Tissue injury is related to both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. | ||
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Test water with the opposite, or sensate limb, and always wear covered, supportive shoes if foot sensation is reduced | Test water with the opposite, or sensate limb, and always wear covered, supportive shoes if foot sensation is reduced | ||
== Pain and Hypersensitivity == | |||
Significant pain can occur with peripheral nerve injury, particularly with nerve root avulsions, causing neuropathic pain. Severe pain will also exhaust the client and if not treated appropriately will hinder physiotherapy rehabilitation. Pain control is of paramount importance.<ref>Michael D Robinson, Steven Shannon.Rehabilitation of peripheral nerve injuries.PMID: 11878078.DOI: 10.1016/s1047-9651(03)00074-3.PubMed.gov. National Library of Medicine. National Centre for Biotechnology Information.</ref> | |||
== Delayed Healing == | == Delayed Healing == | ||
Peripheral nerve injury can have an impact on healing, and slow down the healing mechanisms of the skin. | Peripheral nerve injury can have an impact on healing, and slow down the healing mechanisms of the skin. | ||
Revision as of 13:31, 6 March 2022
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Top Contributors - Naomi O'Reilly, Tarina van der Stockt, Kim Jackson and Manisha Shrestha
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Secondary complications of peripheral nerve injury can be a significant issue and impact of the rehabilitation process, and
Reduced Sensation[edit | edit source]
Loss of sensation associated with
Pressure Ulcers[edit | edit source]
Patients with decreased sensation as a result of a peripheral nerve injury are at increased risk of developing pressure ulcers, which can be harder to see on dark skin. A pressure ulcer is a localised injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear. A pressure sore can develop in a few hours, but the results can last for many months and can cause significant loss of function and impairment. A number of contributing or confounding factors are associated with pressure ulcers; but the significance of these factors is yet to be elucidated. Tissue injury is related to both extrinsic and intrinsic factors.
- Extrinsic factors include pressure, shear, friction, immobility, and moisture.
- Intrinsic factors relate to the condition of the patient, such as sepsis, local infection, decreased autonomic control, altered level of consciousness, increased age, vascular occlusive disease, anaemia, malnutrition, sensory loss, and contracture.
Keeping skin dry, regular position changes and regular skin checks (use a mirror if necessary) will help.
Read more here about the prevention and management of Pressure Ulcers
Burns and Lacerations[edit | edit source]
Secondary injuries in patients with decreased sensation can be common following peripheral nerve injury, with burn and skin lacerations common through contact with hot surfaces or water, sharp surfaces or not using protective clothing, e.g. shoes.
Test water with the opposite, or sensate limb, and always wear covered, supportive shoes if foot sensation is reduced
Pain and Hypersensitivity[edit | edit source]
Significant pain can occur with peripheral nerve injury, particularly with nerve root avulsions, causing neuropathic pain. Severe pain will also exhaust the client and if not treated appropriately will hinder physiotherapy rehabilitation. Pain control is of paramount importance.[1]
Delayed Healing[edit | edit source]
Peripheral nerve injury can have an impact on healing, and slow down the healing mechanisms of the skin.
Swelling[edit | edit source]
Contracture and Deformity[edit | edit source]
Neuroma[edit | edit source]
A non-cancerous thickening of nerve fibres made of non-conducting tissue that stops the signal from being sent along the nerve. Neuromas are a potential, limiting complication of nerve recovery which can cause pain or hypersensitivity; they usually do not develop until at least six weeks post-injury.
Psychological[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
References [edit | edit source]
- ↑ Michael D Robinson, Steven Shannon.Rehabilitation of peripheral nerve injuries.PMID: 11878078.DOI: 10.1016/s1047-9651(03)00074-3.PubMed.gov. National Library of Medicine. National Centre for Biotechnology Information.
