What are other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Ulnar Nerve Neuropathy
• Ulnar Nerve Palsy

What is Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction? (Definition/Background Information)

• Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction is a common neurological condition that arises from damage of the ulnar nerve, the longest unprotected nerve in the human body i.e., (it is not protected by any bones or muscles). It is also one of the three key nerves that provide sensation and function to the hand. The ulnar nerve begins at the neck and travels down the arm, through the elbow and wrist, to the little finger. The condition is a form of isolated nerve dysfunction (IND)
• The most common causes of Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction include direct trauma to the ulnar nerve, fractures, compression on the nerve, or nerve entrapment due to the presence of a tumor. This can lead to decreased sensation, numbness and tingling sensation in the affected region, and limb weakness
• The treatment for Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction includes treating/managing the underlying cause, physical therapy, administration of medications for symptom control, and surgery, if needed. The prognosis is generally good for mild to moderate cases with appropriate treatment; severe cases may cause irreversible nerve damage and associated complications

Who gets Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction may be seen in individuals of any age group
• Both male and female genders are affected
• Worldwide, there is no racial or ethnic group preference observed

What are the Risk Factors for Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction are wide-ranging and may include:

• Direct trauma to the region, from a variety of factors such as:
  • Accidents causing arm/elbow fractures or dislocations
  • Sports injury
  • Fall injuries
• Compression or pressure on the nerve from tumors in the region
• Uncontrolled diabetes is a major risk factor for Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction
• Autoimmune diseases and disorders that cause peripheral neuropathy
• Obesity

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction? (Etiology)

Any damage to the ulnar nerve can adversely affect the arm (upper arm, lower arm, hand, and fingers), resulting in a set of signs and symptoms. This is known as Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction. Commonly, the damage occurs from a trauma (cut injury or blunt force), nerve compression, or poor blood supply to the affected region.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction?

The signs and symptoms of Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction may generally include:

• Dull or sharp pain; burning pain
• The pain increases when the affected arm/hand is used (such as while playing golf or typing on the computer); “funny bone” pain
• Reduced or abnormal sensations; feeling numbness in the hand
• Coordination loss in the fingers and hand
• Weak grip; weakness in the arm
• Loss of reflexes
• Pins and needles sensation
• Touch hypersensitivity
• Muscle twitching and cramping

How is Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction by a healthcare professional may involve the following tests and exams:

• Complete physical examination and medical history evaluation
• Blood tests, as needed
• Nerve conduction velocity studies
• Electromyography (EMG): A diagnostic procedure to help detect neuromuscular abnormalities
• Some possible tests for sensation such as temperature, touch, and vibration, to assess how well an individual feels or responds to stimuli
• Radiological imaging studies, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans (MR neurography) of the affected region, as necessary
• Tests and procedures to diagnose an underlying condition/disorder, if any present
• Biopsy of the nerve, if needed: A tissue biopsy of the affected nerve is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions can have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction?

The complications of Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction depend on the severity and type of underlying condition, and lack of appropriate treatment. It may include:

• Debilitating pain
• The condition may cause sleep disturbance
• Constant tingling and numbness in the area surrounding the affected nerves
• Permanent loss of sensation in the affected region; this can result in repeat injury from lack of touch sensation
• Claw-like deformed hand
• Paralysis of the upper limb
• Inability to participate in sports activities
• Unable to work using one’s affected hand
• Decreased quality of life
• Treatment complications

How is Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction Treated?

The treatment options for Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction vary depending on the extent of nerve damage and symptom severity. It also depends on the underlying cause.

• Mild cases of the nerve dysfunction may be treated using cold compressions, anti-inflammatory agents, physical/occupational therapy, stretching exercises, and the use of splints/elbow pads, as needed
• Severe cases of nerve dysfunction may be treated with surgery based on the cause. Typically, the surgery will be performed for releasing of the nerve pressure
• Peripheral nerve stimulation procedure for pain relief
• Image-guided nerve block procedure, if necessary
• Limiting activities to prevent injury from a loss of sensation

In some individuals, the condition may heal spontaneously even in the absence of any treatment.

How can Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction be Prevented?

It may not be possible to effectively prevent Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction in some cases. However, the following steps may be considered:

• Undertaking appropriate treatment of any underlying condition that places one at higher risk for ulnar nerve injury is helpful
• Avoiding any traumatic/repetitive injury that can increase the risk for the condition
• Avoiding obesity and keeping diabetes under control through diet control and sufficient physical exercise
• Avoiding use of the affected hand/arm until the condition improves to prevent further worsening of the injury

What is the Prognosis of Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction is normally dependent on the cause and extent of the nerve damage but is mostly good with early adequate treatment. However, the nerve pain and discomfort may last for a long period.

• If the damage is very severe, there may be permanent nerve damage leading to some form of paralysis in the region involved
• However, if the damage is not too severe, then with proper treatment, the condition should resolve within a short period and full recovery may be ensured

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction:

Any injury to the nerves can lead to long term damage if not treated immediately and properly.