The nervous system is an electrical system that controls all our functioning from voluntary movement to the involuntary working of our organs. The nerves also conduct sensation signals from all over our body to the brain. Any disruption of the electrical signals will result in either a loss of function, loss of sensation or a combination of both.
There is a large number of neurological conditions, most of which are treated in specialized hospital rehabilitation centers. The conditions we treat at PhysioArt include Bell’s Palsy and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- Bell’s Palsy
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Bell’s Palsy
This occurs when the facial nerve swells at the point where it leaves the skull. This is usually due to infection and can result in the muscles on one side of the face becoming temporarily paralyzed.
Treatment
Includes ultrasound for swelling, electrical stimulation and muscle re-education together with antibiotics and cortisone. Recovery time can range from a couple of days to 6 weeks.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The nerve that supplies the thumb, index and middle finger is the median nerve and it enters the hand under a thick ligament. Certain common and repetitive activies we do with our hands such as typing on the computer may cause, overtime, thickening or swelling of this ligament.
This, in turn, puts pressure on the median nerve causing pain and changes of sensation. Typically, this pain travels from the wrist through the and increases mostly at night.
Besides a history and physical examination, an MRI may be requested to diagnose a case of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment
Involves ultrasound, electrical stimulation, stretching and night splinting. Recovery time varies from 1-6 weeks and in some cases a minor surgery done by a neurosurgeon may be required to release the median nerve under the ligament.
