Question

Mrs. Philips complains of numbness of her right hand. On examination, sensation of the volar aspect of the web of the thumb and index finger and pulp of the middle finger are normal. The pulp of the index finger has decreased sensation. Which of the following is affected?

Answer 1

Answer:

The median nerve is affected.

Explanation:

The median nerve is the main nerve of the front of the forearm. It supplies the muscles of the front of the forearm and muscles of the thenar eminence, thus controlling the coarse movements of the hand. Therefore, it is also called "labourer's nerve".

Symptoms:

• Lack of ability to abduct and oppose the thumb due to paralysis of the thenar muscles.
• Sensory loss in the thumbs, index fingers, long fingers, and the radial aspect of the ring fingers - She has this symptom
• Weakness in forearm pronation and wrist and finger flexion
•   Activities of daily living such as brushing teeth, tying shoes, making phone calls, turning door knobs and writing, may become difficult with a median nerve injury.