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Ulnar nerve dysfunction

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Neuropathy - ulnar nerve; Ulnar nerve palsy

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to allow the person to use the hand and arm as much as possible. The cause should be identified and treated. In some cases, no treatment is required and the person gets better on their own.

If certain cases, a supportive splint or elbow pad may help prevent further injury.

Corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve.

Surgery may be needed if the symptoms get worse, movement is difficult, or there is proof that part of the nerve is wasting away. Surgical decompression may be recommended if the symptoms are from entrapment of the nerve. Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve may help some people.

Over-the-counter analgesics or prescription pain medications may be needed to control pain ( neuralgia ).

Other medications may be prescribed to reduce stabbing pains, including gabapentin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline.

Physical therapy exercises may be appropriate to maintain muscle strength.

Vocational counseling, occupational therapy, occupational changes, job retraining, or similar interventions may be recommended as appropriate.

Expectations (prognosis):

If the cause of the dysfunction can be identified and successfully treated, there is a possibility of full recovery. The extent of disability varies from none to partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Nerve pain may be uncomfortable and persist for a prolonged period of time. If pain is severe and continuing, see a pain specialist to be sure you have access to all options for pain treatment.

Complications:

• Partial or complete loss of wrist or hand movement
• Partial or complete loss of sensation in the hand or fingers
• Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the hand
• Deformity of the hand

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of ulnar nerve dysfunction occur. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of controlling the symptoms.

• Review Date: 9/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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