Symptoms:

• Abnormal sensations in the 4th or 5th fingers

• Numbness, decreased sensation

• Tingling, burning sensation

• Pain

• Weakness of the hand

Pain or numbness may awaken the patient from sleep. The condition is made worse by activities such as tennis or golf.

Signs and tests:

An exam of the hand and wrist can reveal ulnar nerve dysfunction. There may be weakness of wrist and hand bending and difficulty moving the fingers. Severe cases may display wasting of the hand muscles or a characteristic "claw-like" deformity. A detailed history may be needed to determine the possible cause of the neuropathy.

Tests that reveal ulnar nerve dysfunction may include an EMG (a recording of electrical activity in muscles) and nerve conduction tests. Other tests may include blood tests, x-rays, and imaging scans.