BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuUlnar nerve dysfunctionNeuropathy - ulnar nerve; Ulnar nerve palsy; Mononeuropathy; Cubital tunnel syndromeUlnar nerve dysfunction is a problem with one of the nerves that travel from the shoulder to the hand, called the ulnar nerve. It helps you move your arm, wrist, and hand. Causes Damage to one nerve group, such as the ulnar nerve, is called mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy means there is damage to a single nerve. Diseases affecting the entire body (systemic disorders) can also cause isolated nerve damage.MononeuropathyMononeuropathy is damage to a single nerve, which results in loss of movement, sensation, or other function of that nerve.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes of mononeuropathy include:An illness in the whole body that damages a single nerve Direct injury to the nerve Long-term pressure on the nerve Pressure on the nerve caused by swelling or injury of nearby body structures Ulnar neuropathy is also common in those with diabetes.Ulnar neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the ulnar nerve. This nerve travels down the arm to the wrist, hand, and ring and little fingers. It passes just under the surface of the skin near the elbow. So, bumping the nerve there causes the pain and tingling of "hitting the funny bone."When the nerve compressed in the elbow, a problem called cubital tunnel syndrome may result.When damage destroys the nerve covering (myelin sheath) or part of the nerve itself, nerve signaling is slowed or prevented.MyelinMyelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage to the ulnar nerve can be caused by:Long-term pressure on the elbow or base of the palm An elbow fracture or dislocation FractureIf more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article DislocationA dislocation is a separation of two ends of the bones where they meet at a joint. A joint is the place where two bones connect, which allows moveme...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Repeated elbow bending, such as with cigarette smoking In some cases, no cause can be found. Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Abnormal sensations in the little finger and part of the ring finger, usually on the palm side Weakness, loss of coordination of the fingers WeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Claw-like deformity of the hand and wrist Pain, numbness, decreased sensation, tingling, or burning sensation in the areas controlled by the nerveNumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pain or numbness may awaken you from sleep. Activities such as tennis or golf may make the condition worse. Exams and Tests The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may be asked what you were doing before the symptoms started.Tests that may be needed include:Blood tests Imaging tests, such as MRI to view the nerve and nearby structures Nerve conduction tests to check how fast nerve signals travel Nerve conduction testsNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electromyography (EMG) to check the health of the ulnar nerve and the muscles it controls EMGElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve biopsy to examine a piece of nerve tissue (rarely needed) Nerve biopsyA nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The goal of treatment is to allow you to use the hand and arm as much as possible. Your provider will find and treat the cause, if possible. Sometimes, no treatment is needed and you will get better on your own.If medicines are needed, they may include:Over-the-counter or prescription medicines (such as gabapentin and pregabalin) Corticosteroid injections around the nerve to reduce swelling and pressureYour provider will likely suggest self-care measures. These may include:A supportive splint at either the wrist or elbow to help prevent further injury and relieve the symptoms. You may need to wear it all day and night, or only at night. An elbow pad if the ulnar nerve is injured at the elbow. Also, avoid bumping or leaning on the elbow. Physical therapy exercises to help maintain muscle strength in the arm.Occupational therapy or counseling to suggest changes in the workplace may be needed.Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve may help if the symptoms get worse, or if there is proof that part of the nerve is wasting away. Outlook (Prognosis) If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be found and successfully treated, there is a good chance of a full recovery. In some cases, there may be partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Possible Complications Complications may include:Deformity of the hand Partial or complete loss of sensation in the hand or fingers Partial or complete loss of wrist or hand movement Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the hand When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have an arm injury and develop numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness down your forearm and the ring and little fingers. Prevention Avoid prolonged pressure on the elbow or palm. Avoid prolonged or repeated elbow bending. Casts, splints, and other appliances should always be examined for proper fit.CastsUrinary casts are tiny tube-shaped particles that can be found when urine is examined under the microscope during a test called urinalysis. Urinary c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesCraig A. Neuropathies. In: Cifu DX, ed. Braddom's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 41.Jobe MT, Martinez SF, Weller WJ. Peripheral nerve injuries. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 62.Patterson JMM, Novak CB, Mackinnon SE. Compression neuropathies. In: Wolfe SW, Pederson WC, Kozin SH, Cohen MS, eds. Green's Operative Hand Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 28.AllVideoImagesTogUlnar nerve damage - illustration The ulnar nerve originates from the brachial plexus and travels down arm. The nerve is commonly injured at the elbow because of elbow fracture or dislocation. The ulnar nerve is near the surface of the body where it crosses the elbow, so prolonged pressure on the elbow or entrapment of the nerve may cause damage. Damage to the ulnar nerve may involve impaired movement or sensation in the wrist and hand.Ulnar nerve damageillustrationUlnar nerve damage - illustration The ulnar nerve originates from the brachial plexus and travels down arm. The nerve is commonly injured at the elbow because of elbow fracture or dislocation. The ulnar nerve is near the surface of the body where it crosses the elbow, so prolonged pressure on the elbow or entrapment of the nerve may cause damage. Damage to the ulnar nerve may involve impaired movement or sensation in the wrist and hand.Ulnar nerve damageillustration Tests for Ulnar nerve dysfunction Nerve conduction velocityElectromyographyRelated Information Peripheral neuropathy(Condition)Mononeuropathy(Condition)Systemic(Special Topic)Multiple mononeuropathy(Condition)Myelin(Special Topic)Broken bone(Injury)Dislocation(Injury) Review Date: 5/2/2022 Reviewed By: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, FAAN, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. 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Ulnar nerve dysfunctionNeuropathy - ulnar nerve; Ulnar nerve palsy; Mononeuropathy; Cubital tunnel syndromeUlnar nerve dysfunction is a problem with one of the nerves that travel from the shoulder to the hand, called the ulnar nerve. It helps you move your arm, wrist, and hand. Causes Damage to one nerve group, such as the ulnar nerve, is called mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy means there is damage to a single nerve. Diseases affecting the entire body (systemic disorders) can also cause isolated nerve damage.MononeuropathyMononeuropathy is damage to a single nerve, which results in loss of movement, sensation, or other function of that nerve.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes of mononeuropathy include:An illness in the whole body that damages a single nerve Direct injury to the nerve Long-term pressure on the nerve Pressure on the nerve caused by swelling or injury of nearby body structures Ulnar neuropathy is also common in those with diabetes.Ulnar neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the ulnar nerve. This nerve travels down the arm to the wrist, hand, and ring and little fingers. It passes just under the surface of the skin near the elbow. So, bumping the nerve there causes the pain and tingling of "hitting the funny bone."When the nerve compressed in the elbow, a problem called cubital tunnel syndrome may result.When damage destroys the nerve covering (myelin sheath) or part of the nerve itself, nerve signaling is slowed or prevented.MyelinMyelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage to the ulnar nerve can be caused by:Long-term pressure on the elbow or base of the palm An elbow fracture or dislocation FractureIf more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article DislocationA dislocation is a separation of two ends of the bones where they meet at a joint. A joint is the place where two bones connect, which allows moveme...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Repeated elbow bending, such as with cigarette smoking In some cases, no cause can be found. Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Abnormal sensations in the little finger and part of the ring finger, usually on the palm side Weakness, loss of coordination of the fingers WeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Claw-like deformity of the hand and wrist Pain, numbness, decreased sensation, tingling, or burning sensation in the areas controlled by the nerveNumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pain or numbness may awaken you from sleep. Activities such as tennis or golf may make the condition worse. Exams and Tests The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may be asked what you were doing before the symptoms started.Tests that may be needed include:Blood tests Imaging tests, such as MRI to view the nerve and nearby structures Nerve conduction tests to check how fast nerve signals travel Nerve conduction testsNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Electromyography (EMG) to check the health of the ulnar nerve and the muscles it controls EMGElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve biopsy to examine a piece of nerve tissue (rarely needed) Nerve biopsyA nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The goal of treatment is to allow you to use the hand and arm as much as possible. Your provider will find and treat the cause, if possible. Sometimes, no treatment is needed and you will get better on your own.If medicines are needed, they may include:Over-the-counter or prescription medicines (such as gabapentin and pregabalin) Corticosteroid injections around the nerve to reduce swelling and pressureYour provider will likely suggest self-care measures. These may include:A supportive splint at either the wrist or elbow to help prevent further injury and relieve the symptoms. You may need to wear it all day and night, or only at night. An elbow pad if the ulnar nerve is injured at the elbow. Also, avoid bumping or leaning on the elbow. Physical therapy exercises to help maintain muscle strength in the arm.Occupational therapy or counseling to suggest changes in the workplace may be needed.Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve may help if the symptoms get worse, or if there is proof that part of the nerve is wasting away. Outlook (Prognosis) If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be found and successfully treated, there is a good chance of a full recovery. In some cases, there may be partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Possible Complications Complications may include:Deformity of the hand Partial or complete loss of sensation in the hand or fingers Partial or complete loss of wrist or hand movement Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the hand When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have an arm injury and develop numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness down your forearm and the ring and little fingers. Prevention Avoid prolonged pressure on the elbow or palm. Avoid prolonged or repeated elbow bending. Casts, splints, and other appliances should always be examined for proper fit.CastsUrinary casts are tiny tube-shaped particles that can be found when urine is examined under the microscope during a test called urinalysis. Urinary c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesCraig A. Neuropathies. In: Cifu DX, ed. Braddom's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 41.Jobe MT, Martinez SF, Weller WJ. Peripheral nerve injuries. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 62.Patterson JMM, Novak CB, Mackinnon SE. Compression neuropathies. In: Wolfe SW, Pederson WC, Kozin SH, Cohen MS, eds. Green's Operative Hand Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 28.