How Is Radial Nerve Palsy Treated?

Symptoms of radial nerve palsy affect a person’s arm, wrist, hand, and/or fingers and may include: 

• Pain
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Inability to control muscles
• Loss of function 
• Problems extending the wrist or fingers
• Pinching and grasping problems
• Wrist drop 

Causes of radial nerve palsy may include:

• Fracture of the long bone of the upper arm (humerus bone)
• Dislocations 
• Pressure injuries caused by repetitive motion or remaining in awkward body positions for long periods of time, such as while working or sleeping
  • Some of these causes have their own name: 
    • Honeymoon palsy: one person sleeps on and compresses another person’s arm
    • Saturday night palsy: falling asleep with an arm hanging over the armrest of a chair, compressing the radial nerve 
    • Squash palsy: results from traction forces associated with the sport squash, occurs with squash players during periods between matches 
• Bruises that put pressure on the radial nerve
• Growths such as tumors or cysts
• Devices
  • Tight watches pressing on the wrist 
  • Crutches pressing under the arm
• Cuts on the wrist or arm 
• Infection or inflammation (rarely)

Radial nerve palsy is diagnosed with a patient history and a physical examination of the arm and hands.

Tests used to diagnose radial nerve palsy may include: 

• Electromyogram (EMG)
• Nerve conduction study
• X-rays 
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Some causes of radial nerve palsy may be prevented with behavior or lifestyle changes, such as proper ergonomics and posture at work and pillows to correct awkward sleeping positions.