Alternate Names : Neuropathy – distal median nerve
Definition
Distal median nerve dysfunction is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects the movement of or sensation in the hands. Peripheral means further out from the spinal cord.
A common type of distal median nerve dysfunction is carpal tunnel syndrome.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Dysfunction of one nerve group, such as the distal median nerve, is called a mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy means there is a local cause of the nerve damage, although occasionally body-wide ( systemic) disorders may cause isolated nerve damage. An example is mononeuritis multiplex, where several nerve bundles are affected.
Distal median nerve dysfunction occurs when the nerve is inflamed, trapped, or injured by trauma. Perhaps the most common reason is trapping (entrapment), which puts pressure on the nerve where it passes through a narrow area. Wrist fractures may injure the median nerve directly or may increase the risk for trapping a nerve later on.
Inflammation of the tendons ( tendonitis) or joints ( arthritis) can also cause nerve compression.
Conditions that affect connective tissue or cause deposits to form in tissue can block blood flow and lead to nerve compression. Such conditions include:
- Acromegaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Multiple myeloma
- Pregnancy
In some cases, no cause can be identified.
Pictures & Images
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.
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Distal median nerve dysfunction : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Distal median nerve dysfunction : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Distal median nerve dysfunction : Treatment
Review Date : 9/11/2008
Reviewed By : Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington; 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.
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