[Iatrogenic injury of peripheral nerves]

There are many risks of iatrogenic peripheral-nerve injuries during routine medical procedures. These injuries may occur during venipuncture for drawing blood, endoscopic treatments, punctures of joints or ganglions, various kinds of surgical procedures, and in numerous other situations. It is important to create a "Manual" of such accidents or incidents. In case an accident occurs, both the medical staff and the injured patient should receive adequate support to avoid any anxiety. The doctor must examine the person's injury carefully, and must judge its severity as soon as possible. The doctor must also offer the patient a prompt explanation about their injury and its proper care or treatment. This explanation must be easy to understand. This step can reduce patient anxiety and even prevent the early stages of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). One of my therapeutic strategies for treating early-stage CRPS is to use prednisolone for a short period for the treatment of strong pain and serious edema; the other approach is to do administer a warm-cold alternating bath with range-of-motion (ROM) exercise. Creation of manuals and education of staff to quickly respond to such situations is extremely essential.