Distal Median Nerve DysfunctionSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About 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.
Neuropathy - distal median nerve
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.
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
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
Reading Hospital
Mohammad Khoshnoodi is a Neurologist practicing medicine in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Dr. Khoshnoodi is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Peripheral Neuropathy, Chronic Polyradiculoneuritis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and Miller-Fisher Syndrome. Dr. Khoshnoodi is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology.
Southwest Orthopedics Clinic Joint & Hand
Dirk Slade, MDOrthopedic Surgeon – Hand and Elbow SpecialistDr. Dirk Slade is a board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon specializing in hand and elbow surgery. He provides expert care for a wide range of conditions including nerve compression syndromes, tendon injuries, arthritis, and fractures affecting the hand and wrist. His personalized approach to care focuses on helping patients understand their options and take an active role in choosing the treatment that best supports their goals.Dr. Slade earned his medical degree from George Washington University and completed orthopedic surgery residency training at Eisenhower Army Medical Center. He went on to complete fellowship training in hand surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.With clinical interests in nerve decompression, arthritis reconstruction, and trauma repair, Dr. Slade is passionate about restoring function and relieving pain. He brings the same level of dedication to every patient encounter and believes in delivering care that is both evidence-based and deeply compassionate.Originally from Vernal, Utah, Dr. Slade enjoys spending time outdoors with his family—hiking, biking, camping, and staying active. Dr. Slade is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction. He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Osteoarthritis, and Ganglion Cyst. Dr. Slade is board certified in American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery and American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Slade is currently accepting new patients.
Aurora Neurology
Emily Jaeger is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Dr. Jaeger is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Distal Median Nerve Dysfunction. She is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Migraine, Seizures, Memory Loss, and Migraine with Brainstem Aura. Dr. Jaeger is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry & Neurology.
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.
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
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of distal median nerve dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of curing or controlling symptoms.
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.
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.
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