Patient Resources
Can a workplace injury cause nerve damage?
Short answer
Yes. Workplace injuries can affect nerves and nerve roots, producing numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness. Persistent symptoms after an injury deserve a neurological evaluation to characterize what is involved.
Understanding this
Lifting, falls, crush injuries, repetitive tasks, and vibration exposure can all affect nerves. Injuries to the back or neck may irritate a nerve root, while injuries at the wrist, elbow, or shoulder can affect a specific nerve.
Head injuries at work can be followed by headaches, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, or sleep disturbance that persist after the initial injury.
A neurological evaluation describes findings and clinical impressions. It does not determine claim outcomes, coverage, or legal questions.
Symptoms and signs
- Numbness or tingling after an injury
- Weakness or difficulty gripping
- Radiating pain into an arm or leg
- Persistent headaches after a head injury
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping after injury
How it is evaluated
- Detailed history of the injury and symptoms
- Neurological examination
- Review of relevant records and imaging
- Diagnostic testing when appropriate
- EMG and nerve conduction testing when clinically indicated
- Treatment recommendations
When to seek care
- Seek emergency care for progressive weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or a worsening level of consciousness after a head injury.
- Persistent symptoms after a workplace injury should be evaluated rather than monitored indefinitely.
Emergency symptoms
Need a Neurologist?
Choose the scheduling line for the state where you will be located for your appointment.
In-Person Neurology Visits
Available at three office locations:
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Woodstock, Illinois
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Telehealth Neurology Visits
Telehealth neurology appointments are available to patients located anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin. You do not need to live near an office, but you must be physically located in Illinois or Wisconsin at the time of the appointment.
Learn about telehealth neurology →Call to schedule
Illinois appointments: 815-337-7100. Wisconsin appointments: 262-245-0535.
Choose your visit
Our office will confirm whether an in-person or telehealth visit is appropriate and provide the details.
Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention.