Cheiralgia paresthetica: Difference between revisions

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Cheiralgia paresthetica, also known as [[hand neuropathy]] or [[Wartenberg's syndrome]], is a condition characterized by sensory disturbances in the hand, specifically in the area innervated by the radial nerve. It often presents as a burning or tingling sensation, numbness, or a combination of these symptoms in the back of the hand and the thumb, index, and middle fingers. This condition is considered a type of [[peripheral neuropathy]] and is caused by compression or damage to the superficial branch of the radial nerve.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
==Etiology==
| name            = Cheiralgia paresthetica
The primary cause of Cheiralgia paresthetica is the entrapment or compression of the radial nerve as it traverses the forearm and enters the hand. This can occur due to several factors, including:
| image          = [[File:Gray818.png|left|thumb|Illustration of the [[radial nerve]]]]
* Repetitive motions that strain the wrist and hand, common in certain occupations or sports.
| caption        = The [[radial nerve]] is involved in cheiralgia paresthetica.
* Direct trauma to the radial nerve, such as fractures of the radius bone or dislocations.
| synonyms        = Wartenberg's syndrome
* Prolonged pressure on the nerve from activities like wearing tight wristbands or handcuffs.
| pronunciation  =
* Systemic diseases that cause nerve damage, such as [[diabetes mellitus]] or [[rheumatoid arthritis]].
| specialty      = [[Neurology]]
 
| symptoms        = [[Numbness]], [[tingling]], and [[pain]] in the [[hand]]
==Symptoms==
| onset          =
Patients with Cheiralgia paresthetica typically report:
| duration        =
* Numbness or tingling in the dorsal aspect of the hand and the radial three and a half fingers.
| causes          = Compression of the [[superficial branch of the radial nerve]]
* A burning sensation or pain in the affected area.
| risks          =
* Sensitivity to cold temperatures.
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical diagnosis]]
* Weakness in the hand may occur in severe cases.
| differential    = [[Carpal tunnel syndrome]], [[De Quervain's tenosynovitis]]
 
| treatment      = [[Rest]], [[splinting]], [[nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]
==Diagnosis==
| medication      =
Diagnosis of Cheiralgia paresthetica involves a thorough clinical examination and patient history. Physicians may also employ several diagnostic tests, including:
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
* [[Nerve conduction studies]] to assess the function of the radial nerve.
| frequency      =
* [[Electromyography (EMG)]] to evaluate the electrical activity of muscles.
}}
* Imaging studies, such as [[MRI]] or [[ultrasound]], to visualize the nerve and surrounding structures for any signs of compression or damage.
{{Short description|A condition involving sensory disturbance in the hand}}
 
== Cheiralgia Paresthetica ==
==Treatment==
[[File:Gray818.png|left|thumb|Diagram of the superficial branch of the radial nerve]]
Treatment for Cheiralgia paresthetica focuses on relieving the pressure on the radial nerve and managing symptoms. Options include:
'''Cheiralgia paresthetica''', also known as '''Wartenberg's syndrome''', is a neurological condition characterized by sensory disturbances in the hand, specifically affecting the distribution of the [[superficial branch of the radial nerve]]. This condition is often caused by compression or irritation of the nerve, leading to symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness on the dorsal aspect of the hand.
* Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms.
== Anatomy ==
* Application of cold packs to reduce swelling and pain.
The [[radial nerve]] is one of the major nerves of the upper limb, originating from the [[brachial plexus]]. It travels down the arm and divides into a deep branch, which is primarily motor, and a superficial branch, which is sensory. The superficial branch of the radial nerve provides sensation to the dorsal surface of the hand, including the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
* [[Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)]] for pain relief.
== Causes ==
* [[Corticosteroid injections]] around the nerve to reduce inflammation.
Cheiralgia paresthetica is typically caused by external compression of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. Common causes include:
* Physical therapy to strengthen the hand and wrist, and to improve range of motion.
* Wearing tight wristbands or watches
* Surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases to decompress the nerve.
* Repetitive wrist movements
 
* Direct trauma to the wrist area
==Prevention==
== Symptoms ==
Preventive measures for Cheiralgia paresthetica include:
The primary symptoms of cheiralgia paresthetica include:
* Ergonomic adjustments to work and living spaces to reduce strain on the hands and wrists.
* Pain on the dorsal side of the hand
* Regular breaks during activities that involve repetitive hand or wrist motions.
* Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation
* Wearing protective gear during sports or occupations that pose a risk of hand and wrist injury.
* Numbness in the area supplied by the superficial branch of the radial nerve
 
These symptoms are usually exacerbated by wrist movements or pressure on the wrist.
==Prognosis==
== Diagnosis ==
With appropriate treatment, most individuals with Cheiralgia paresthetica experience significant improvement in symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent permanent damage to the radial nerve.
Diagnosis of cheiralgia paresthetica is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and physical examination. [[Electromyography]] (EMG) and [[nerve conduction studies]] may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions such as [[carpal tunnel syndrome]].
 
== Treatment ==
Treatment for cheiralgia paresthetica focuses on relieving the compression of the nerve. Common approaches include:
* Avoiding activities or objects that cause compression
* Using wrist splints to immobilize the wrist
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to decompress the nerve.
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for cheiralgia paresthetica is generally good, especially if the condition is diagnosed early and the source of compression is removed. Most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms with conservative treatment.
== See also ==
* [[Radial nerve]]
* [[Peripheral neuropathy]]
* [[Carpal tunnel syndrome]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Hand disorders]]
[[Category:Peripheral nervous system disorders]]
[[Category:Peripheral neuropathy]]
 
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 21:10, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
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Cheiralgia paresthetica
Illustration of the radial nerve
Synonyms Wartenberg's syndrome
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Neurology
Symptoms Numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand
Complications N/A
Onset
Duration
Types N/A
Causes Compression of the superficial branch of the radial nerve
Risks
Diagnosis Clinical diagnosis
Differential diagnosis Carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Prevention N/A
Treatment Rest, splinting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Medication
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency
Deaths N/A


A condition involving sensory disturbance in the hand


Cheiralgia Paresthetica[edit]

Diagram of the superficial branch of the radial nerve

Cheiralgia paresthetica, also known as Wartenberg's syndrome, is a neurological condition characterized by sensory disturbances in the hand, specifically affecting the distribution of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. This condition is often caused by compression or irritation of the nerve, leading to symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness on the dorsal aspect of the hand.

Anatomy[edit]

The radial nerve is one of the major nerves of the upper limb, originating from the brachial plexus. It travels down the arm and divides into a deep branch, which is primarily motor, and a superficial branch, which is sensory. The superficial branch of the radial nerve provides sensation to the dorsal surface of the hand, including the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.

Causes[edit]

Cheiralgia paresthetica is typically caused by external compression of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. Common causes include:

  • Wearing tight wristbands or watches
  • Repetitive wrist movements
  • Direct trauma to the wrist area

Symptoms[edit]

The primary symptoms of cheiralgia paresthetica include:

  • Pain on the dorsal side of the hand
  • Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation
  • Numbness in the area supplied by the superficial branch of the radial nerve

These symptoms are usually exacerbated by wrist movements or pressure on the wrist.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of cheiralgia paresthetica is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and physical examination. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for cheiralgia paresthetica focuses on relieving the compression of the nerve. Common approaches include:

  • Avoiding activities or objects that cause compression
  • Using wrist splints to immobilize the wrist
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief

In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to decompress the nerve.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for cheiralgia paresthetica is generally good, especially if the condition is diagnosed early and the source of compression is removed. Most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms with conservative treatment.

See also[edit]

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