to an injury? Possibly a traumatic one? Trauma injuries and some forms of resulting numbnesses are common, diagnoses in determining what is or might be short or long term 'temporary' [hate that WORD!] are varied and downright strange.

As one who has had a clear cause-effect Carpal Tunnel issue several years before PN onset... the distinctions in terms of pain levels, pain constants and nerve conduction study results are clear and explicit.
When one acquires an agressive neuropathy, the Nerve studies actually show normal or above normal....AT FIRST. Ironically, should apparent personal perception of nerve function and deterioration occur after such tests, at a time when possible agressive treatment/therapies should be administered-but are not, as diagnostics-to-date do not, warrant extreme treatments...well, by the time diagnostics catch up to the real issues...it's too late! Damage done often irreversibly. Only therapeutics can help. In the meantime...all later tests for adverse effects do occur. The time can be from 1 week to one year, to 10-20 years! In the meantime, PAIN.

Then it's only a band-aid on an open-would type of treatment....UNLESS you can cooperatively and effectively communicate with your doc....in a non-agressive manner. Some are lucky, some not. Depends on the doctors, their people skills and diagnostic skills. LOTS of variables that can help or hinder a diagnosis.

Tinel sign is only ONE aspect in assessing the total picture. ONE piece of the puzzle? Yes. How large a piece is what each of us ask about blood tests, emg's, ncv's, you name it!

IF any had the ANSWER, would we need to be here? Good thoughts always, and pain free minutes, if not more.... - j