Paralysis of the radial nerve - a special case of neuritis of the limbs, accompanied by the appearance of characteristic symptoms (in particular, the so-called state of "hanging hands"). As is the case with other forms of neuritis, paralysis of the radial nerve leads to paresis (weakening) or total paralysis of muscles, which are innervated by the radial nerve.
Signs of paralysis of the radial nerve
The direct consequence of the radial nerve palsy - a violation of motor and sensory function of the limb
. Paralysis of the radial nerve paresis is shown (weakness) or complete paralysis of all the muscles, which are innervated by the radial nerve
. Accordingly, the damage to the radial nerve leads to quite distinct symptoms: paresis or complete paralysis of the extensor muscles of the hand, fingers and forearm extensor muscles, the triceps muscle, mygtsy, abductor thumb
. This state is shown, first of all, the inability to perform certain movements - for example, straighten your fingers to straighten the elbow, perform grasping movements, and so on
. Violations of the sensitivity can be observed in the back of the shoulder and forearm, the back surface of the brush
. Thus the radial nerve palsy in some cases it may not be accompanied by sensitivity disorders, or disorders such sensitivity may be insignificant
.
Causes
One of the main reasons for the radial nerve palsy - different kinds of injured limbs. The prevalence of such cause paralysis of the radial nerve due to its location: the radial nerve is located directly on the humerus, so it is often a direct consequence of the fracture becomes a shoulder nerve damage. As a result - the paralysis of the radial nerve. Such a result in very rare cases may be observed even when the dislocation
Dislocation - Prevention and Treatment
shoulder.
Another common cause of the characteristic symptoms of paralysis of the radial nerve - nerve compression. This situation is informally called "sleepy paralysis" - when a nerve is damaged due to prolonged pressure on the padded arm under his head during sleep
Dreams: how to understand our dreams
. Very often such cases occur under the influence of excessive alcohol consumption: falling asleep while intoxicated, a person can not just feel too much pressure on the hand. Such a state, even get a separate, albeit unofficial name - alcoholic paralysis of the radial nerve.
Very rare and occur only occasionally causes paralysis of the radial nerve - medical errors when injected into the shoulder of any medications, infections, intoxication toxic substances. In fact, lead to paralysis of the radial nerve can be any kind of permanent nerve compression - until too close strap watches, squeezing her wrist.
Diagnostics
The first stage of diagnosis of paralysis of the radial nerve - the direct examination of the patient: because damage to the radial nerve is accompanied by very distinct symptoms, even the simplest study of the motor function of limbs clarify the clinical picture. The second stage of the diagnosis - determining the cause of the damage to the radial nerve, and the degree of damage (on the extent and nature of damage to the radial nerve depends largely on whether the forecast is favorable, or paralysis of the radial nerve is irreversible). For this purpose, such diagnostic methods as electroneuromyography (special study of nerve conduction), radiography and computed tomography.
Methods of treatment of paralysis of the radial nerve in the first place depends on the cause of this condition. In many cases, the main and the only treatment becomes necessary to eliminate compression of the radial nerve through therapeutic massage
Massage Therapy - when it is needed?
, Manual therapy
Chiropractic: the main thing - to choose the competent expert
and so on. In addition, the radial nerve paralysis a necessary component of therapy are rehabilitation procedures to restore the motor function of limbs. Finally, in some severe cases, damage to the radial nerve may require surgical intervention.
Symptoms
The key symptom of the paralysis of the radial nerve - the inability to move his wrist lying palm down. In addition, the number of common symptoms include numbness wrist band and back of the hand, the inability to straighten thumbs. The muscles controlled radial nerve, and skin reactions at the press do not work correctly or do not function at all as a result of paralysis.
In most cases, paralysis of the radial nerve causes weakness and numbness of the wrist. In some cases, the disorder is accompanied by a reduced sensitivity, tingling or burning sensation, sharp pain in the toes, skin discoloration of fingers, bowel incontinence.
Treatment
At the slightest suspicion of a problem with the radial nerve should immediately consult a doctor. The first information is usually obtained by a doctor in a patient with suspected stroke radial nerve - is information about past traumas, tumors, as well as physical activity. Traditional treatments include minimizing the loss of muscle and splinting the wrist to support non-functioning wrist. The goal of any treatment prescribed by a doctor - to maximize the range of motion, which can make the hand and fingers. Constantly keeping the wrist in a straightened position, patients with radial nerve palsy can perform simple tasks - for example, to pick up small objects or write one or two sentences.
In addition to the conventional treatment, in some cases, physicians use physiotherapy. Fragments of bone, have become the cause of the syndrome can be surgically removed along with any other sources of anatomical defects. In most cases, paralysis of the radial nerve can be cured because the nerve is recovering on its own, but full recovery may take several months to several years.
One way to recovery - exercise, focusing on lifting movements of the wrist and fingers. However, by themselves, in isolation from the other treatments, such exercises are usually not very effective, because the nerves that activate the muscles involved in the exercise, do not function.
Proper nutrition is necessary for the treatment of paralysis of the radial nerve as vitamin supplements can speed up the process of regeneration of the radial nerve. Avoiding alcohol can prevent future damage. The chances of a full recovery after paralysis of the radial nerve depend on the degree of damage: the effects of trauma are sometimes only a few days. Moreover, in most cases, medical intervention is generally not required, as the recovery is very fast.
Some of the medicines prescribed by doctors for the treatment of radial nerve palsy include analgesics that reduce pain. In addition to getting rid of the pain prescribed phenytoin, carbamazepine, tricyclic antidepressenty. In some, especially serious cases established special brackets that support the wrist.