Learn About Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction

What is the 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.

A common type of distal median nerve dysfunction is carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the alternative names for Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction?

Neuropathy - distal median nerve

What are the causes of Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction?

Dysfunction of one nerve group, such as the distal median nerve, is called a mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy usually means there is a local cause of the nerve damage. Diseases affecting the entire body (systemic disorders) can also cause isolated nerve damage.

This condition occurs when the nerve is inflamed, trapped, or injured by trauma. The most common reason is trapping (entrapment) by a ligament in the wrist. This causes carpal tunnel syndrome. Trapping puts pressure on the nerve where it passes through a narrow area. Wrist fractures may injure the median nerve directly. Or, it may increase the risk for trapping the nerve later on.

Inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis) or joints (arthritis) can also put pressure on the nerve. Some repetitive movements increase the chance of developing carpal tunnel entrapment. Women are more affected than men.

Problems that affect the tissue near the nerve or cause deposits to form in the tissue can block blood flow and lead to pressure on the nerve. Such conditions include:

  • Too much growth hormone in the body (acromegaly)
  • Diabetes
  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Kidney disease
  • A blood cancer called multiple myeloma
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Amyloidosis

In some cases, no cause can be found. Diabetes can make this condition worse.

What are the symptoms of Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction?

Symptoms may include any of the following:

  • Pain in the wrist or hand that may be severe and wake you up at night, and that may be felt in other areas, such as the upper arm (this is called referred pain)
  • Sensation changes in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring fingers, such as a burning feeling, decreased sensation, numbness and tingling
  • Weakness of the hand that causes you to drop things or have difficulty grasping objects or buttoning a shirt
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What are the current treatments for Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction?

Treatment is aimed at the underlying cause.

If the median nerve is affected by carpal tunnel syndrome, a wrist splint can reduce further injury to the nerve and help relieve symptoms. Wearing the splint at night rests the area and decreases inflammation. An injection into the wrist may help with symptoms, but it won't fix the underlying problem. Surgery may be needed if a splint or medicines don't help. Using proper ergonomics at work is essential. For example, you should use proper wrist support if you use a keyboard and mouse for computer work.

For other causes, treatment may involve any of the following:

  • Medicines to control nerve pain (such as gabapentin or pregabalin)
  • Treating the medical problem causing nerve damage, such as diabetes or kidney disease
  • Physical therapy to help maintain muscle strength
Who are the top Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction Local Doctors?
Hand Surgery | Orthopedics
Hand Surgery | Orthopedics

Henry Ford Health System

2799 W Grand Blvd, 
Detroit, MI 
 (60.4 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Charles Day is a Hand Surgeon and an Orthopedics provider in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Day and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Trigger Thumb, Rhizarthrosis, and Tenosynovitis. Dr. Day is currently accepting new patients.

Mercy Health Physicians North Specialty Care LLC

3900 Sunforest Ct, Suite 240, 
Toledo, OH 
 (98.8 mi)
Experience:
16+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients

James Lyions is an Orthopedics provider in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Lyions has been practicing medicine for over 16 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tenosynovitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement. Dr. Lyions is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Neurology | Psychiatry
Neurology | Psychiatry
15142 Levan Rd, 
Livonia, MI 
 (52.3 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients

Saleem Tahir is a Neurologist and a Psychiatrist in Livonia, Michigan. Dr. Tahir and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction. His top areas of expertise are Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction, Hepatocerebral Degeneration, Cerebellar Multiple System Atrophy, and Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure. Dr. Tahir is currently accepting new patients.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction?

If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be identified and treated, there is a good chance of full recovery. In some cases, there is some or complete loss of movement or sensation. Nerve pain may be severe and persist for a long time.

What are the possible complications of Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction?

Complications may include:

  • Deformity of the hand (rare)
  • Partial or complete loss of hand movement
  • Partial or complete loss of sensation in the fingers
  • Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the hand
When should I contact a medical professional for Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction?

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of distal median nerve dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of curing or controlling symptoms.

How do I prevent Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction?

Prevention varies, depending on the cause. In people with diabetes, controlling blood sugar may reduce the risk of developing nerve disorders.

For people with jobs that involve repetitive wrist movements, a change in the way the job is performed may be needed. Frequent breaks in activity may also help.

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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: June 13, 2024
Published By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Katirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.

Smith G, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 388.

Toussaint CP, Kvint S, Ali ZS, Zager EL. Distal entrapment syndromes: carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, peroneal, and tarsal tunnel. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 276.

Waldman SD. Carpal tunnel syndrome. In: Waldman SD, ed. Atlas of Common Pain Syndromes. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 50.