Do you have nerve damage after surgery?
Your nervous system includes an intricate network of fibers and cells that transmit signals from your brain to the rest of your body. In fact, you have roughly seven trillion nerves that play a part in everything you do. Still, you may not think much about your nerves until they stop working properly.
Nerve damage commonly accompanies traumatic accidents and catastrophic injuries. Regrettably, a doctor may also cause nerve damage when trying to solve a different medical problem.
Signs of possible nerve damage
Your surgeon should explain your post-surgery recovery, including any potential side effects you are likely to face. These should rarely include nerve damage that did not exist before your operation, however. If you have nerve damage, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain, tingling, numbness or loss of sensation
- Restricted movement
- Muscular tightness or weakness
- Loss of grip or muscular control
Causes of surgical nerve damage
Because there are so many nerves in the human body, surgeons often have few options for avoiding them. Even if a surgeon is careful, he or she may cut through a nerve or nick it. Rubbing against a nerve with a surgical instrument also may lead to long-term inflammation. Furthermore, an anesthesiologist may administer intravenous medication in a way that damages nerves.
Once it occurs, nerve damage can be virtually impossible to reverse. While your doctor may recommend medication, rehabilitation or other options for coping with the condition, your life may never be the same again. Ultimately, pursuing financial compensation from the surgeon or doctor who caused the nerve damage may help you cope.