What is the median nerve?
The median nerve is one of the nerves in the arm that extends into the hand. It is the only nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel, one of the tubes that connects the hand to the forearm.
The median nerve controls function and sensation in most of the fingers of the hand, as well as part of the palm of the hand. The only fingers that the median nerve does not control are the little finger and part of the ring finger, which are controlled by the ulnar nerve. The radial nerve is also responsible for some sensation in the hand.
How can the median nerve be injured?
The two most common places for the median nerve to be damaged or compressed are the elbow and the wrist.
Various injuries to the elbow can affect the median nerve, including a fracture or dislocation. When the median nerve is compressed at the elbow, this is known as pronator teres syndrome. This is often due to repetitive twisting, gripping and twisting of the hand and wrist, usually involved in heavy manual labor, weight lifting or racquet sports. Round pronator syndrome can also be caused by bodily abnormalities, a tumor or scar tissue.
In the wrist, the compression is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a common condition that tends to affect women more than men, but the exact cause is unknown.
The wrist is a common area for median nerve injuries.
What are the symptoms of median nerve injury?
Symptoms may vary depending on the injury. Compression on the nerve may cause pain, especially at night, a tingling sensation in the fingers, numbness and weakness in the hand.
Fracture, trauma, or dislocation that has caused nerve damage may also cause numbness or weakness. It may be difficult to turn the hand, grasp things, or move the thumb across the palm of the hand. If the nerve is severely damaged, this can lead to muscle wasting.
How is a median nerve injury treated?
When the median has been damaged by an acute injury to the elbow or wrist (such as a fracture or dislocation), the first line of treatment is to treat the initial injury. Tissue injuries can be treated with compression, icing and keeping the arm elevated. A bone fracture that is unlikely to heal properly or is putting pressure on the nerve may need surgery.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated very easily with surgery. This is a quick procedure that frees up space in the carpal tunnel for the median nerve and provides immediate relief of symptoms.
Most treatments are aimed at preventing any further damage. Existing nerve damage is likely to be permanent and lost function or strength may not always be restored. Therefore, it is important to consult an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible if you experience the above symptoms.