Treatment
Treatment is aimed at correcting 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. It is often enough to wear the splint only at night, to give the area a rest and allow inflammation to decrease.
In some cases, no treatment is required and recovery is happens on its own. Over-the-counter or prescription medication may be needed to control nerve pain (neuralgia).
If other nerves are also affected, it is necessary to look for an underlying medical problem that can affect nerves. Medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease can damage nerves. In these cases, treatment is directed at the underlying medical condition.
Physical therapy exercises may be appropriate for some people to maintain muscle strength. Orthopedic assistance may maximize the ability to use the hand. Such therapy may involve braces, splints, or other appliances. Vocational counseling, occupational therapy, occupational changes, job retraining, or other measures may be recommended.
Some patients with carpal tunnel syndrome may need surgery. See: Carpal tunnel release
Prognosis (Expectations)
If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be identified and successfully treated, there is a possibility of full recovery. In some cases, there may be partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Nerve pain may be severe and persist for a prolonged period of time.
Complications
- Partial or complete loss of hand movement
- Partial or complete loss of sensation in the fingers
- Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the hand
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if symptoms of distal median nerve dysfunction are present. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of controlling symptoms.
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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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