Nerve Injury & Neuropathy Treatment | Austin, TX

Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Targeted interventional treatment for pain, numbness, and dysfunction caused by peripheral nerve damage.

Overview

Peripheral nerve injuries encompass a wide spectrum — from mild compression neuropathies (such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome) to severe traumatic nerve injuries producing chronic neuropathic pain, weakness, and sensory loss. The peripheral nervous system — all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord — can be injured by trauma, compression, entrapment, stretch, ischemia, or metabolic disease. Dr. Migdale evaluates and treats peripheral nerve injuries with a combination of electrodiagnostic assessment, targeted interventional procedures, and, where appropriate, neuromodulation.

Types of Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Peripheral nerve conditions treated by Dr. Migdale include: nerve entrapment syndromes (carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, tarsal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome, piriformis syndrome); traumatic nerve injuries from lacerations, fractures, or crush injuries; peripheral neuropathy from diabetes, chemotherapy, or other systemic causes; intercostal neuralgia following chest wall injury or surgery; meralgia paresthetica (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve compression); and post-amputation pain including stump and phantom limb pain.

Electrodiagnostic Testing (EMG/NCS)

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are powerful diagnostic tools that assess how well peripheral nerves and muscles are functioning. Dr. Migdale's training in physical medicine and rehabilitation includes proficiency in electrodiagnostic testing, allowing her to precisely characterize the location, severity, and nature of nerve injuries — guiding treatment decisions with specificity.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: A Targeted Solution

For peripheral nerve injuries producing chronic neuropathic pain, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) offers a minimally invasive, reversible option with growing evidence. The SPRINT PNS System — for which Dr. Migdale completed specific certification training in May 2025 — uses a percutaneous lead placed near the target nerve to deliver electrical stimulation, providing relief without permanent implantation for many indications. For patients requiring long-term neuromodulation, permanent PNS systems are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a peripheral neuropathy and a nerve entrapment?
Peripheral neuropathy is diffuse nerve damage affecting multiple nerves simultaneously — typically producing symmetric symptoms in the hands and feet ('stocking-glove' distribution). Common causes include diabetes and chemotherapy. A nerve entrapment (or compression neuropathy) is focal compression of a single nerve at a specific anatomical site — producing symptoms in the distribution of that specific nerve.
What is the SPRINT PNS System?
The SPRINT Peripheral Nerve Stimulation System (by SPR Therapeutics) is an FDA-cleared device that uses a thin, flexible lead placed percutaneously near a peripheral nerve to deliver targeted electrical stimulation for pain relief. It is unique in that it can be placed and removed without surgery, making it both a therapeutic and a diagnostic tool. Dr. Migdale completed SPRINT PNS education certification in May 2025.
Does peripheral nerve stimulation work for phantom limb pain?
Peripheral nerve stimulation has shown promising results for phantom limb pain — one of the most difficult pain conditions to treat. Both targeted peripheral nerve stimulation near the residual limb nerves and spinal cord stimulation have evidence supporting their use in this population. Dr. Migdale can evaluate whether neuromodulation is appropriate for your specific situation.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult Dr. Migdale or another qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition.

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