Median nerve palsy

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Median nerve palsy
Nerves of the left upper extremity
Synonyms	Median neuropathy
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Neurology, Orthopedic surgery
Symptoms	Weakness in the hand, numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
Complications	Carpal tunnel syndrome, thenar atrophy
Onset	Can be sudden or gradual
Duration	Varies, can be chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Trauma, compression, inflammation
Risks	Repetitive strain injury, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis
Diagnosis	Physical examination, nerve conduction study, electromyography
Differential diagnosis	Ulnar nerve palsy, radial nerve palsy, cervical radiculopathy
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Splinting, physical therapy, surgery
Medication	NSAIDs, corticosteroids
Prognosis	Varies, depends on cause and treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Ape hand deformity

Ape hand deformity

Median nerve palsy is a condition that affects the median nerve, leading to a loss of function or sensation in the hand. It is often caused by injury or pressure on the nerve.

Causes

The median nerve can be damaged by a variety of causes, including trauma, repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, and diabetes. The nerve can also be compressed by a tumor or cyst, or by swelling due to inflammation or infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of median nerve palsy can vary depending on the severity and location of the nerve damage. They may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
• Pain in the hand or wrist
• Weakness in the hand or fingers
• Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt or writing
• Loss of coordination in the hand

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of median nerve palsy typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. The doctor may also order tests such as electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the nerve damage.

Treatment

Treatment for median nerve palsy depends on the cause and severity of the nerve damage. It may include:

• Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility in the hand
• Occupational therapy to help the patient adapt to the loss of function in the hand
• Pain management techniques, such as medication or nerve blocks
• Surgery to repair the damaged nerve or relieve pressure on the nerve

Prognosis

The prognosis for median nerve palsy depends on the cause and severity of the nerve damage. With appropriate treatment, many patients can regain some or all of the lost function in their hand.

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