A review of the diet, nutrients, and supplementation potential for the outcome augmentation in surgical treatment of peripheral nerve injuries

Abstract

ObjectiveAlthough the studies have shown the beneficial effects of diet, nutrition, and supplementation as an independent treatment modality, their roles are underestimated in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. This is in great part due to the development of efficient nerve repair techniques, combined with physical treatment and stimulation. To achieve the best possible functional recovery diet, nutrition, and supplementation should be implemented within a multidisciplinary approach. The aim of the study is to provide insight into the potentially beneficial effects of diet, nutrients, and supplementation, in the limitation of nerve damage and augmentation of the functional recovery after surgery in a review of human and animal studies.MethodsThe data relating to the diet, nutrients, and supplementation effects on peripheral nerve injuries and their treatment was extracted from the previously published literature.ResultsGeneral balanced diet as well as obesity influence the initial nerve features prior to the injury. In the period following the injury, neuroprotective agents demonstrated beneficial effects prior to surgery, and immediately after the injury, while those potentiating nerve regeneration may be used after the surgical repair to complement the physical treatment and stimulation for improved functional recovery.ConclusionsStandardized diet, nutrition, and supplementation recommendations and protocols may be of great importance for better nerve regeneration and functional recovery as a part of the multidisciplinary approach to achieve the best possible results in surgically treated patients with peripheral nerve injuries in the future.

Occupational and non-occupational risk factors correlating with the severity of clinical manifestations of carpal tunnel syndrome and related work disability among workers who work with a computer

“…Rare are also the studies directly associating dietary habits with CTS, such as the one published by Lin (92), but there are many associating them with musculoskeletal disorders, inflammation, and (36,72,79,104), although direct effects cannot be excluded (77, 93-95, 97, 105). The same goes for supplements; it is unclear if the correlations found are confounded by healthy lifestyle and normal BMI or there are more direct effects of certain micronutrients, as suggested by some studies (37,93,97,(105)(106)(107)(108)(109)(110)(111)(112)(113)(114)(115)(116)(117)(118)(119). Therefore, further research is needed to establish a direct cause-effect relationship.…”

“…Our study therefore brings new evidence of the correlation between unhealthy, energy-dense, nutrient-poor diet and aggravated clinical symptoms of CTS and work disability. It is well known that physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, hypertension, and laboratory markers of inflammation and metabolic disorders are associated with increased BMI ( 101 , 102 , 103 ), which and may indirectly aggravate CTS through increased BMI ( 36 , 72 , 79 , 104 ), although direct effects cannot be excluded ( 77 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 97 , 105 ). The same goes for supplements; it is unclear if the correlations found are confounded by healthy lifestyle and normal BMI or there are more direct effects of certain micronutrients, as suggested by some studies ( 37 , 93 , 97 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 ).…”

Occurrence and treatment of peripheral nerve injuries after cosmetic surgeries

“…Furthermore, medication treatment that includes pain relievers, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, steroid injections, or nerve blocks may also be helpful (6). Besides, standardized diet, nutrition, and supplementation recommendations and protocols may be of great importance for better nerve regeneration and functional recovery (68). If no improvement is seen over the first three months, referring to a peripheral nerve surgeon for possible surgical treatment, which involves exploring the suspected injured nerves with corresponding management, such as neurolysis, neurectomy, and implantation, is necessary (69,70).…”