Cheiralgia paresthetica: Difference between revisions

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A condition involving sensory disturbance in the hand

Cheiralgia Paresthetica

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

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

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

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

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.

Related pages

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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.
+{{Short description|A condition involving sensory disturbance in the hand}}
-==Etiology==
+== 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:
-* Repetitive motions that strain the wrist and hand, common in certain occupations or sports.
-* Direct trauma to the radial nerve, such as fractures of the radius bone or dislocations.
-* Prolonged pressure on the nerve from activities like wearing tight wristbands or handcuffs.
-* Systemic diseases that cause nerve damage, such as [[diabetes mellitus]] or [[rheumatoid arthritis]].
-==Symptoms==
+[[File:Gray818.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the superficial branch of the radial nerve]]
-Patients with Cheiralgia paresthetica typically report:
-* Numbness or tingling in the dorsal aspect of the hand and the radial three and a half fingers.
-* A burning sensation or pain in the affected area.
-* Sensitivity to cold temperatures.
-* Weakness in the hand may occur in severe cases.
-==Diagnosis==
+'''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.
-Diagnosis of Cheiralgia paresthetica involves a thorough clinical examination and patient history. Physicians may also employ several diagnostic tests, including:
-* [[Nerve conduction studies]] to assess the function of the radial nerve.
-* [[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.
-==Treatment==
+== Anatomy ==
-Treatment for Cheiralgia paresthetica focuses on relieving the pressure on the radial nerve and managing symptoms. Options include:
-* Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms.
-* Application of cold packs to reduce swelling and pain.
-* [[Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)]] for pain relief.
-* [[Corticosteroid injections]] around the nerve to reduce inflammation.
-* Physical therapy to strengthen the hand and wrist, and to improve range of motion.
-* Surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases to decompress the nerve.
-==Prevention==
+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.
-Preventive measures for Cheiralgia paresthetica include:
-* Ergonomic adjustments to work and living spaces to reduce strain on the hands and wrists.
-* Regular breaks during activities that involve repetitive hand or wrist motions.
-* Wearing protective gear during sports or occupations that pose a risk of hand and wrist injury.
-==Prognosis==
+== Causes ==
-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.
+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 ==
+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 ==
+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.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Radial nerve]]
+* [[Peripheral neuropathy]]
+* [[Carpal tunnel syndrome]]
 [[Category:Neurological disorders]]
-[[Category:Hand disorders]]
+[[Category:Peripheral nervous system disorders]]
-[[Category:Peripheral neuropathy]]
-{{medicine-stub}}