Dr. Rehan Zahid wants patients with complex nerve injuries to know they have an option.
As a hand and reconstructive surgeon in the University of Iowa Department of Surgery, Zahid specializes in treating brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries, some of the most challenging conditions affecting the arm and hand.
"As a hand surgeon, I feel like I should be able to provide comprehensive care for the hand, and brachial plexus is an essential part of it," Zahid says.
Brachial plexus injuries affect the network of nerves that carry signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. When these nerves are damaged, patients can experience weakness, numbness, loss of sensation, chronic pain, or even paralysis. Because symptoms are variable and can resemble more common conditions, patients may spend months searching for answers before receiving the right diagnosis.
Treating some of the most complex injuries of the upper extremity
Zahid's interest in brachial plexus care stems from the unique challenges these injuries present. Unlike many hand and upper extremity conditions, every brachial plexus injury is different, requiring a thorough evaluation and highly individualized treatment plan.
"It's a very complex problem with very complex treatments," he says. "The outcomes depend on when the injury happened, what kind of injury it is, and how severe it is."
Brachial plexus injuries are part of a broader category of peripheral nerve injuries. Patients may experience loss of sensation, weakness, loss of muscle function, or debilitating nerve pain. In some cases, symptoms that appear to be a common nerve compression disorder may actually originate in the brachial plexus.
"I've seen patients who were treated for nerve compression when the problem was actually in the brachial plexus," Zahid says. "That's why a thorough evaluation is so important."
By carefully assessing the entire nerve pathway, Zahid helps patients receive an accurate diagnosis & identify treatment options that may restore function and improve quality of life.
Building a comprehensive nerve care program
While caring for individual patients remains his primary focus, Zahid is also working to grow UI Health Care's brachial plexus and peripheral nerve program as a destination for specialized nerve care throughout Iowa and the Midwest.
His vision is to create a coordinated, multidisciplinary clinic where patients can be evaluated by multiple specialists and receive a customized treatment plan designed around their specific injury and recovery goals.
"I want people to know this is a place they can come for comprehensive care," Zahid says. "A place where they can seek state-of-the-art treatment, even if they're coming from outside Iowa."
The long-term goal is to bring together surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists who can evaluate patients collaboratively and develop a roadmap for recovery.
"Every injury is variable," Zahid says. "Management has to be customized for each patient."
That team-based approach not only streamlines care but also helps patients better understand their injury, treatment options, and long-term rehabilitation goals.
Raising awareness across the region
For Zahid, growing the program is more than expanding services. It's also about increasing awareness among patients and referring providers who may not immediately recognize the signs of a brachial plexus or peripheral nerve injury.
Many people experiencing weakness, numbness, loss of function, or nerve pain may not realize they need evaluation from a nerve specialist. Early referrals can help patients access treatment options sooner and avoid unnecessary delays in care.
"One goal is to spread awareness," Zahid says. "Let people know this is the place they can come for comprehensive care."
As the program continues to grow, Zahid hopes to expand access to advanced brachial plexus and peripheral nerve care for patients throughout Iowa and the Midwest.
As the only surgeon at UI Health Care specializing in brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries, he is building a destination program for patients seeking highly specialized nerve care and for providers looking for expert referral options.
Additional information about the program, services, and referral options is available through the UI Health Care Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Program.