Ulnar nerve dysfunction is a problem with the nerve that travels from the wrist to the shoulder, which leads to movement or sensation problems in the wrist and hand.
Alternative NamesNeuropathy - ulnar nerve; Ulnar nerve palsy
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsUlnar nerve dysfunction is a common form of peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when there is damage to the ulnar nerve, which travels down the arm. The ulnar nerve is near the surface of the body where it crosses the elbow, so long-term pressure on the elbow may cause damage.
The damage involves the destruction of the nerve covering (myelin sheath) or part of the nerve (axon). This damage slows or prevents nerve signaling.
A problem with one single nerve group (such as the ulnar nerve) is called mononeuropathy. The usual causes are:
Entrapment involves pressure on the nerve where it passes through a narrow structure.
The ulnar nerve is commonly injured at the elbow because of elbow fracture or dislocation. Prolonged pressure on the base of the palm may also damage part of the ulnar nerve. Temporary pain and tingling of this nerve is common if the elbow is hit, producing the experience of hitting the "funny bone" at the elbow.
In some cases, no cause can be found.
SymptomsPain or numbness may awaken you from sleep. Activities such as tennis or Golf make the condition worse.
Signs and testsAn exam of the hand and wrist can reveal ulnar nerve dysfunction. Signs may include:
A detailed history may be needed to determine the cause of the neuropathy.
Tests may include:
The goal of treatment is to allow you to use the hand and arm as much as possible. The cause should be identified and treated. Sometimes, no treatment is required and you will get better on your own.
Treatments may include:
If the cause of the dysfunction can be found and successfully treated, you may make a full recovery.
Disability can vary from none to partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Nerve pain may be uncomfortable and last a long time. If pain is severe and continuing, see a pain specialist to be sure you have access to all pain treatment options.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if:
Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of controlling the symptoms.
PreventionPrevention varies depending on the cause. Avoid prolonged pressure on the elbow or palm. Casts, splints, and other appliances should always be examined for proper fit.
Ulnar nerve dysfunction is a problem with the ulnar nerve, which travels from the shoulder to the hand and allows movement or sensation in the wrist or hand.
Alternative NamesNeuropathy - ulnar nerve; Ulnar nerve palsy
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsDamage to one nerve group, such as the ulnar nerve, is called a mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy means there is nerve damage to a single nerve. Both local and body-wide disorders may damage just one nerve.
The usual causes of mononeuropathy are:
Ulnar neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the ulnar nerve, which travels down the arm. The ulnar nerve is near the surface of the body where it crosses the elbow. The damage destroys the nerve covering (myelinsheath) or part of the nerve (axon). This damage slows or prevents nerve signaling.
Damage to the ulnar nerve can be caused by:
Temporary pain and tingling of this nerve can occur if the elbow is hit, producing the experience of hitting the "funny bone" at the elbow.
Long-term pressure on the base of the palm may also damage part of the ulnar nerve.
In some cases, no cause can be found.
SymptomsPain or numbness may awaken you from sleep. Activities such as tennis or golf may make the condition worse.
Signs and testsA careful history of when the problem started and what you might have been doing that could have injured the nerve is important.
An exam of the hand and wrist can reveal ulnar nerve dysfunction. Signs may include:
Tests may be needed, depending on your history, symptoms, and findings from the physical exam. These tests may include:
The goal of treatment is to allow you to use the hand and arm as much as possible. The cause should be identified and treated. Sometimes, no treatment is needed and you will get better on your own.
Medications may include:
A supportive splint at either the wrist or elbow can help prevent further injury and relieve the symptoms. You may need to wear it all day and night, or only at night.
Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve may help if the symptoms get worse, or there is proof that part of the nerve is wasting away.
Other treatments may include:
If the cause of the dysfunction can be found and successfully treated, there is a good chance of a full recovery. In some cases, there may be partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Nerve pain may be severe and last for a long period of time.
If pain is severe and continues, see a pain specialist to be sure you have access to all pain treatment options.
ComplicationsEarly diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of curing or controlling symptoms.
Call your health care provider if:
Avoid prolonged pressure on the elbow or palm. Casts, splints, and other appliances should always be examined for proper fit.
ReferencesVallarino R, Santiago FH. Ulnar neuropathy (wrist). In: Frontera WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr., eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2008:chap 35.
Weiss LD, Weiss JM. Ulnar neuropathy (elbow). In: Frontera WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr., eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2008:chap 23.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/26/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and 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.
"In human anatomy, the ulnar nerve is a nerve which runs near the ulna bone. The ulnar collateral ligament of elbow joint is in relation with the ulnar nerve." -
ulnar nerve
The answer truly depends on the severity of the ulnar entrapment and the location of the ulnar nerve entrapment. Milder ulnar nerve entrapments can sometimes be relieved with physical therapy and bracing the arm in a position that lessens pressure on the ulnar nerve. Moderate entrapments of the ulnar nerve may respond to physical therapy combined with a steroid injection to relieve inflammation. More severe entrapments may require surgical interventions. The most common location for an ulnar nerve entrapment is at the elbow, this is called an ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). When this is severe the surgical procedure that is utilized is referred to as a surgical transposition of the ulnar nerve & involves moving the ulnar nerve from the back of the elbow to the front of the elbow. Speak with a neuromuscular specialist regarding your case if you feel that you have an ulnar entrapment, and always keep in mind that you may want to get a second opinion. Be prepared for the possibility of an electrodiagnostic examination. This test would help determine if ulnar nerve is involved, where along the ulnar nerve the lesion is, & how severe the ulnar nerve lesion is.
Sure. The ulnar nerve begins at the brachial plexus ... which is in your arm-pit.
Ulnar nerve
The ulnar nerve runs along the ulna bone in the arm. It starts at the shoulder and ends at the pinky finger.
Ulnar nerve......
ulnar nerve
ulnar nerve
No
Most commonly, trauma to the elbow or repetitive bending of the elbow puts pressure on the ulnar nerve that damages the myelin sheath insulating and protecting the nerve.
The median nerve supplies most of the flexor muscles of the human forearm, and some hand muscles. The ulnar nerve also supplies two flexor muscles, and most of the remaining hand muscles that the median nerve does not cover.