Conditions & Diagnoses: A-Z

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Median Nerve Injury

Definition:
Damage, harm, or loss to the median nerve particularly as the result of external force.
Symptoms:
  • Lack of ability to abduct and oppose the thumb due to paralysis of the thenar muscles
  • Sensory loss in the thumb, index finger, long finger, and the radial aspect of the ring finger
  • Weakness in forearm pronation and wrist and finger flexion, and gripping
  • Difficulty with brushing teeth, tying shoes, making phone calls, turning door knobs and writing
Causes:
  • Deep, penetrating injuries to the arm, forearm, or wrist
  • Blunt force trauma
  • Neuropathy
  • Impingement
Treatment:
  • ROM and stretching
  • Shoulder stabilization strengthening
  • Upper extremity strengthening