About Nerve Exploration
Key Highlights
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Provides a definitive diagnosis when imaging and other tests are inconclusive.Allows for direct visualization of nerve damage, compression, or abnormalities.Can be both diagnostic and therapeutic in a single procedure (e.g., decompression or repair).liHelps in planning the most effective long-term treatment strategy.Can lead to significant pain relief and restoration of nerve function.
Who is this surgery for?
- Unexplained chronic nerve pain (neuralgia) or paresthesia (tingling/numbness) unresponsive to conservative care.
- Suspected nerve entrapment syndromes (e.g., carpal tunnel, ulnar nerve) requiring surgical confirmation.
- Traumatic nerve injuries (lacerations, crush injuries) to assess the extent of damage.
- Suspected nerve tumors (e.g., schwannoma, neurofibroma) for biopsy or removal.
- Post-surgical symptoms suggesting iatrogenic nerve damage or neuroma formation.
- Progressive muscle weakness or paralysis with an unclear cause.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or other refractory neuropathies.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and review of all prior tests (EMG, NCV, MRI).
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for anesthesia.
- Discussion of medical history, allergies, and current medications (some may need to be paused).
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the procedure as per anesthesia guidelines.
- Informed consent process detailing the goals, risks, and alternatives of the exploration.
- Arranging for transportation and post-operative support at home.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nerve-specific risks: Potential for increased nerve damage, leading to worsened pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Failure to identify or fully resolve the underlying nerve problem.
- Formation of new scar tissue (adhesions or neuroma) around the nerve post-operatively.
- Blood clot formation (deep vein thrombosis) or chronic regional pain.
- Allergic reaction to surgical materials or medications.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial rest with elevation of the affected limb to reduce swelling.
- Pain management with prescribed medications; nerve pain may require specific neuropathic agents.
- Keeping the surgical incision clean and dry, with follow-up for stitch/suture removal.
- Gradual, guided return to movement; physical therapy is often crucial to regain strength and function.
- Avoiding strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the period specified by the neurologist.
- Monitoring for signs of infection (redness, fever, pus) or worsening neurological symptoms.
- Follow-up appointments to assess healing and the need for further treatment or rehabilitation.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: Several weeks to 6+ months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering nerve exploration in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for nerve exploration in India include KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform nerve exploration. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for nerve exploration compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Nerve Exploration in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing nerve exploration.
Reyansh Miller, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Reyansh Miller, a 28-year-old software engineer and amateur guitarist, began experiencing a persistent, sharp, electric-like pain shooting from his left elbow down to his ring and pinky fingers six months ago. The pain was exacerbated by typing and playing guitar, threatening his career and passion. Despite months of physical therapy and a normal MRI, his symptoms worsened, leading to weakness and clumsiness in his hand. His neurologist, Dr. Evans, recommended a nerve exploration procedure to visually assess and potentially decompress the ulnar nerve at the elbow, suspecting a subtle entrapment not visible on imaging. During the outpatient procedure under regional anesthesia, the surgeon found and released a tight fascial band compressing the nerve. The immediate post-op period was uncomfortable, but within weeks, the shooting pains ceased. After three months of dedicated rehabilitation, Reyansh regained full strength and sensation, successfully returning to both coding and music. Emotionally, he journeyed from frustration and fear of permanent disability to profound relief and gratitude, feeling he had reclaimed a core part of his identity.
Neurologists for Nerve Exploration
Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform nerve exploration and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 46 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 26 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 3 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 7 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida