Alternative Names
Neuropathy – distal median nerve
Definition of Distal median nerve dysfunction
Distal median nerve dysfunction is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects the movement of or sensation in the hands.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Dysfunction of one nerve group, such as the distal median nerve, is called a mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy means there is a local cause of the nerve damage, although occasionally body-wide (systemic) disorders may cause isolated nerve damage.
Signs and tests
Your doctor will examine your wrist and ask questions about your medical history. The examination may show decreased sensation in the thumb side of the hand. This is called the “radial” side. There may be weakness of the thumb and difficulty using it to pinch.
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at correcting the underlying cause.
Expectations (prognosis)
If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be identified and successfully treated, there is a good chance of full recovery. In some cases, there may be partial or complete or sensation. may be severe and persist for a prolonged period of time.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 8/27/2010
