Saturday night palsy

Saturday Night Palsy or Radial Neuropathy is a condition that results from the compression of the radial nerve. The condition is often associated with sleeping or falling asleep on one's arm, particularly after consuming alcohol, hence the name "Saturday Night Palsy".

Causes

The primary cause of Saturday Night Palsy is the compression of the radial nerve. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Prolonged pressure on the arm, such as when sleeping or falling asleep on the arm
• Trauma or injury to the arm
• Use of crutches or other devices that put pressure on the nerve
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, that can cause nerve damage

Symptoms

The symptoms of Saturday Night Palsy can vary depending on the severity of the nerve compression. Common symptoms include:

• Weakness in the affected arm
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
• Difficulty moving the hand or fingers
• Pain in the arm, hand, or fingers

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Saturday Night Palsy typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. In some cases, additional tests may be needed, such as:

• Electromyography (EMG), which measures the electrical activity of the muscles
• Nerve conduction studies, which measure how well the nerves are transmitting signals
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can provide detailed images of the nerves and surrounding tissues

Treatment

Treatment for Saturday Night Palsy typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the nerve compression. This may include:

• Avoiding activities that put pressure on the nerve
• Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
• Medications to manage pain and inflammation
• In severe cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the nerve

See Also

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Ulnar nerve entrapment

Saturday night palsy Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia