Radial nerve palsy – causes, symptoms and effective treatment methods

Radial nerve palsy is a neurological disorder that is often called “Saturday Night Syndrome.”It is a condition that can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life.In this article, we will discuss what radial nerve palsy is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis methods, effective treatment and rehabilitation methods, as well as the duration of this condition.

Radial nerve palsy – what is it?what are the functions of the radial nerve?

The radial nerve is one of the three main branches of the brachial nerve.It plays a key role in innervating the muscles and skin of the forearm, wrist and hand.It is responsible for controlling movement and sensation in this part of the body.Radial nerve palsy occurs when this nerve becomes damaged or compressed, leading to impaired muscle function and sensation in the area it innervates.

Radial nerve palsy – causes.why is the condition called “saturday night syndrome”?

The causes of radial nerve palsy can be various.However, one of the main risk factors is long-term and repeated exposure to pressure or trauma around the wrist and forearm.This is why the condition is often called “Saturday Night Syndrome” because it can be caused by activities that require repetitive wrist movements, such as using a screwdriver, hammer or wrench.

Radial nerve damage – symptoms

Symptoms of radial nerve palsy can vary, but most often include:

• Muscle weakness in the hand and wrist.
• Muscle atrophy in the area innervated by the radial nerve.
• Loss of sensation, tingling or numbness in the hand and fingers.
• Difficulty making precise hand movements, e.g. grasping small objects.

Radial nerve palsy – diagnosis

Diagnosing radial nerve palsy requires consultation with a specialist, most often a neurologist.The doctor will conduct a thorough medical interview, assess symptoms and may order additional tests, such as electromyography (EMG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).These tests help determine the extent of nerve damage and its location.

Radial nerve palsy – treatment and rehabilitation

Treatment for radial nerve palsy depends on its cause and the degree of damage.In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove pressure on the nerve or repair damaged nerve tissue.Rehabilitation is a key element of treatment and aims to restore muscle function and sensation in the wrist and hand area.It may include physiotherapy, strengthening exercises and manual therapy.

How long does radial nerve palsy last?

The duration of radial nerve paralysis may vary and depends on many factors, including the cause of the damage, the degree of nerve damage and the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation.In some cases, symptoms may subside within a few weeks, and in other cases, treatment may be long-term and full recovery of function may require many months or even years.

Your suggestions

If you suspect radial nerve palsy or are experiencing similar symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the chances of fully regaining hand function.Also remember about prevention, avoid long-term exposure to repetitive wrist movements and use appropriate work techniques to prevent damage to the radial nerve.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in health and neurological diseases, we also recommend reading articles about sciatic nerve inflammation and peripheral neuropathy.

Remember that each case of radial nerve palsy is individual, therefore treatment and rehabilitation should be tailored to the patient’s specific situation.Regular consultations with your doctor and physiotherapist can help you monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan.