Mononeuropathies: corticosteroid blockades and limb fixation
Mononeuropathy is a lesion of the nerve trunk. Most often, its cause is trauma or prolonged compression of the nerve. Nerve damage is manifested by a violation or complete loss of its function – weakness or decreased sensitivity appears in the area of innervation.
Causes of nerve damage can be:
- anatomical features (tunnel syndromes)
- occupational hazards
- sports injuries
- chronic diseases (tumors, diabetes, atherosclerosis)
Diagnosis of mononeuropathies
Timely diagnosed neuropathy, in some cases, can be treated conservatively. However, with significant narrowing of the channels, such treatment is ineffective. To achieve maximum effect with conservative treatment, the affected limb segment must be additionally immobilized to minimize the likelihood of re-traumatization of the nerve.
Another mandatory component of conservative therapy is blockades with corticosteroids. Hormones are injected directly into the site of nerve compression. Blockades have shown their high effectiveness due to their pronounced anti-edema, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Hormones also have remyelinating activity in autoimmune nerve lesions. Due to their local administration, their systemic effect and, accordingly, the risk of complications are practically excluded.
When applying to the neurosurgical department of the Kherson Regional Clinical Hospital, the patient is given a full range of necessary diagnostic measures, including ultrasound diagnostics (performed by the only specialist in the region specializing in diseases of the peripheral nervous system). After further examination and diagnosis, the patient is prescribed conservative therapy, which includes physiotherapy procedures, immobilization of the limb and blockades with corticosteroids.
Neurosurgeons of the KHL have accumulated experience in successful surgical treatment of neuropathies and have implemented effective treatment regimens for this pathology. Only after the ineffectiveness of a course of conservative therapy will the patient be offered surgical treatment.
Leontiev O.Yu.
