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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Sciatic nerve damaged from radiation
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Sciatic nerve damaged from radiation
by Femi, Oct 13, 2005 12:00AM
My partner had a big tumor removed from his thigh in 2001 and got radiation before and during the operation. Half a year later problems started in his lower legs: numbness, tingling, pain and weakness - often not being able to walk more than 200 metres. The neurologist diagnosed a damage of the sciatic nerve in the area where the operation was, very probably due to radiation (EMG: sciatic neuropathy).
It got slightly worse with the years and pain is occurring especially after exercise, often a swelling at the ankle increases the problem.
Findings of neurologist (attempt to translate from German):
Missing ASR, Toelifting-parese, not possible to walk on toes or heel, no restriction in knee area, Tinel`sches signal along backside of thigh (where scar – about 1 ft long) and beyond knee, Hypalgesie in lower leg not including inner side
Judgement:
Peripher damage of sciadic nerve, comprising Peronaeus-area, and also Tibialis-area,
Obviously no formation of a Neurom (according to MRI-pictures)
No doctor can do anything for my partner here in Germany where we live. (He is an American citizen.)
Any advice? Thank You very much.
It got slightly worse with the years and pain is occurring especially after exercise, often a swelling at the ankle increases the problem.
Findings of neurologist (attempt to translate from German):
Missing ASR, Toelifting-parese, not possible to walk on toes or heel, no restriction in knee area, Tinel`sches signal along backside of thigh (where scar – about 1 ft long) and beyond knee, Hypalgesie in lower leg not including inner side
Judgement:
Peripher damage of sciadic nerve, comprising Peronaeus-area, and also Tibialis-area,
Obviously no formation of a Neurom (according to MRI-pictures)
No doctor can do anything for my partner here in Germany where we live. (He is an American citizen.)
Any advice? Thank You very much.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Oct 20, 2005 12:00AM
Unfortunetely one of the side effects of radiation is damage to nerves, which is typically seen in a delayed fashion as you describe. There is no current treatment to reverse or regrow the nerve that is damaged. Nerves can regrow to a certain extent over months, but scar tissue from the readiation will likely prevent this (if abnormally regrown a painful 'neuroma' or ball of nerve tissue can form). After 12 months, maximum regrowth is seen, and any function not recovered will likelynot get better. I do not know your husbands case in detail, so whetherthings liketendon transfer surgery or rehabilitation prosthesis may help, I do not know. Thefocus at this point though should be rehabilitation
Good luck
Good luck