Peripheral Nerve

Abstract

The peripheral nerve is an important and historical part of neurosurgery. It also has been a major focus of both the written and oral examinations administered by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. Candidates typically have considerable fears and concerns about their preparedness in this field because they have not had broad exposure during their neurosurgery training and practice. The candidate for the Oral Board Examination must be prepared for receiving one to several questions on some of the common disorders of the peripheral nervous system as part of a general neurosurgical practice or in an emergency room consultation. In this chapter, an approach to peripheral nerve problems is presented. Common areas that might be examined include tumors, injuries, inflammatory conditions, entrapments, and neuropathic pain. Six cases are illustrated, and “pearls” are provided.