2018 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting-Peripheral Nerve Disease – Making Sense Out of Neurological Testing

Peripheral Nerve Disease – Making Sense Out of Neurological Testing

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Wilson, a neurosurgeon specializing in peripheral nerve surgery, discusses the importance of the physical examination and history for diagnosing and treating peripheral nerve diseases. He explains that the history and physical exam are the keys to the evaluation of peripheral nerve patients, and electrodiagnostics and imaging should be thought of as extensions of that rather than replacements. He provides examples of how to differentiate between various peripheral nerve pathologies such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and fibular tunnel syndrome. He emphasizes the need to understand the sensory distribution and motor innervation of each nerve and recommends using organized exam sheets to guide the motor examination. Dr. Wilson also briefly discusses nerve sheath tumors and nerve injuries, highlighting the importance of early referral and appropriate management. Overall, his talk emphasizes the vital role of the physical examination and history in diagnosing and treating peripheral nerve diseases.

Asset Caption

Thomas J. Wilson, MD

Keywords

neurosurgeon

peripheral nerve surgery

physical examination

history

diagnosis

treatment

electrodiagnostics

carpal tunnel syndrome

cubital tunnel syndrome

nerve injuries