2nd opinion for spinal accessory nerve damage had surgery in jan.to remove a branchial cleft cyst and have damage to spinal nerve, had nerve test done and was told physical therapy and see what happens after 3 months. should i get a second opinion or wha

The : The spinal accessory nerve, also known as "cranial nerve xi" (xi meaning "eleven") is a nerve in the region of the neck that moves two important muscles: the trapezius and the sternocleidomastoid. The trapezius is the muscle that (among other things) shrugs the shoulder. The sternocleidomastoid is a muscle that (among other things) tilts the head. These are important functions, and damage to the nerve can be significant depending on other circumstances. While most peripheral nerve injuries do get better, especially with physical therapy, some do not. Even if recovery is incomplete, there may be no reduced ability to perform routine activities. Loss of ability is a concept that is relative: a graphic artist might have different demands for those muscles than a circus performer, for example. The decision to get a second opinion is often based on the severity of problems, the complexity of problems, or the degree of trust in the competency of the physician or surgeon who offered the first opinion. Most doctors welcome the decision of a patient to get a second opinion, particularly if the stakes are high.

You : You should have an opinion from someone expert in nerve repair. There may be a rationale for waiting but at the end of that time if there is no improvement, an attempt at repair should not be delayed indefinitely.