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.