Injury of median nerve at upper arm level, right arm digital illustration

Injury of median nerve at upper arm level, right arm Save


ICD-10 code: S44.11

Chapter: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes

Injury of Median Nerve at Upper Arm Level, Right Arm

An injury to the median nerve at the upper arm level of the right arm can be a serious condition that can result in significant pain and disability. The median nerve is responsible for the sensation and movement of the hand, including the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring fingers. If the median nerve is injured, it can lead to a condition known as median nerve palsy.

Median nerve palsy can occur as a result of trauma to the upper arm, such as a fracture or dislocation. Other causes can include repetitive strain injuries or compression of the nerve due to swelling or inflammation. Symptoms of median nerve palsy can include numbness or tingling in the hand, weakness or loss of grip strength, and difficulty with fine motor movements, such as buttoning a shirt or holding a pen.

If you suspect that you have injured your median nerve, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to determine the extent of the injury. Treatment for median nerve palsy may include immobilization of the arm with a cast or splint, physical therapy to improve strength and range of motion, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.

  1. Rest and immobilization: If you have sustained a minor injury, your doctor may recommend rest and immobilization to allow the nerve to heal. This may involve wearing a cast or splint to keep the arm in a stable position.
  2. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve strength and range of motion in the affected arm. Your therapist may recommend exercises and stretches to help you regain function and reduce pain.
  3. Medications: Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation associated with median nerve palsy.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the median nerve. This may involve removing scar tissue or repairing a damaged nerve. Your doctor will discuss your options with you and recommend the best course of treatment based on the severity of your injury.

Overall, an injury to the median nerve at the upper arm level of the right arm can be a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. With proper treatment and management, however, most people are able to recover from median nerve palsy and regain full function of their hand and arm.