| Alternative Names: | Neuropathy - ulnar nerve; Ulnar nerve palsy
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| Treatment: | Treatment is aimed at maximizing use of the hand and arm. The cause should be identified and treated as appropriate. In some cases, no treatment is required and recovery is spontaneous.
If there is no history of trauma to the area, conservative treatment is indicated by sudden onset, minimal sensation changes, and no difficulty in movement, and the absence of test results indicating degeneration of the nerve axon. In this case, the use of a supportive splint or elbow pads may be effective in preventing further injury.
Corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve.
Surgical intervention is indicated if the disorder is chronic or symptoms are worsening, if there is difficulty with movement, or if there is evidence that degeneration of the nerve axon is present. Surgical decompression may be recommended if the symptoms are from entrapment of the nerve. Surgical removal of lesions that press on the nerve may be of benefit.
CONTROL OF SYMPTOMS:
Over-the-counter analgesics or prescription pain medications may be needed to control pain (neuralgia). Other medications may reduce stabbing pains, including gabapentin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline. Whenever possible, use of medications should be avoided or minimized to reduce the risk of medication side effects.
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.
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| 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 no disability 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.
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| 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
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| 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.
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Review Date: 7/28/2002
Reviewed By: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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