Symptoms & Signs
- Abnormal sensations in the 4th or 5th fingers, usually on the palm side
- Numbness, decreased sensation
- Pain
- Tingling, burning sensation
- Weakness of the hand
Pain or numbness may awaken you from sleep. Activities such as tennis or golf make the condition worse.
Diagnosis & Tests
An exam of the hand and wrist can reveal ulnar nerve dysfunction. Signs may include:
- “Claw-like” deformity (in severe cases)
- Difficulty moving the fingers
- Wasting of the hand muscles (in severe cases)
- Weakness of wrist and hand bending
A detailed history may be needed to determine the cause of the neuropathy.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Imaging scans
- Nerve conduction tests
- Recording of the electrical activity in muscles (EMG)
- X-rays
Pictures & Images
Ulnar nerve damage
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Ulnar nerve dysfunction: Overview, Causes
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Ulnar nerve dysfunction: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Ulnar nerve dysfunction: Treatment
Review Date : 9/25/2008
Reviewed By : 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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