Ulnar nerve dysfunction

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Ulnar nerve damage

Ulnar nerve dysfunction

Alternative Names:

Neuropathy - ulnar nerve; Ulnar nerve palsy
Symptoms:

Sensation changes
- Of the 4th or 5th fingers
- Of the hand below the 4th and 5th fingers
- Numbness, decreased sensation
- Tingling, burning sensation
- Pain
- Abnormal sensations
Weakness of the hand

Pain or numbness may awaken the patient from sleep. The dysfunction is aggravated by activities such as tennis or golf.

Signs and tests:

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Neuromuscular examination of the hand and wrist indicates ulnar nerve dysfunction. There may be weakness of wrist and hand flexion 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. Testing is guided by the suspected cause of the dysfunction, which in turn is suggested by the history, symptoms, and pattern of symptom development. Tests may include various blood tests, x-rays, scans, or other tests and procedures.