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What Causes Weakness In Right Hand And Forearm?
Question: Hello,
Some times my right hand has trouble writing with enough power. It feels weak and I can only use my forearm to control the movement of my right hand in order to write. May I ask why this happened and what i should do?
Thanks!
XXXX
Some times my right hand has trouble writing with enough power. It feels weak and I can only use my forearm to control the movement of my right hand in order to write. May I ask why this happened and what i should do?
Thanks!
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Such distal weakness usually indicates a peripheral nerve issue, not a problem of the central nervous system.
Most common possibility is compression of a peripheral nerve like the median nerve or the ulnar one at the wrist leading to weakness of hand muscles which are innervated by those nerves. Causes of compression may be many, starting from prolonged posture or pressure of the wrist against the writing surface, to arthritis, cysts, local trauma, diabetes etc.
Another possibility would be nerve root compression in the neck due to a herniated disc, but usually it is accompanied by neck pain.
One last option to exclude are motor neuron disease which can also manifest with weakness in a limb, but at your age it is highly unlikely.
As for what you should do, the first step would be see a neurologist for a neurological physical exam, to examine changes in you reflexes, muscle atrophy, motor strength, and sensation and according to the areas involved identifying the possible nerves involved. Based on the findings the most common test to identify nerve and muscle changes are electrophysiological studies which include nerve conduction studies and electromyography.
I remain at your disposal for other questions
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Such distal weakness usually indicates a peripheral nerve issue, not a problem of the central nervous system.
Most common possibility is compression of a peripheral nerve like the median nerve or the ulnar one at the wrist leading to weakness of hand muscles which are innervated by those nerves. Causes of compression may be many, starting from prolonged posture or pressure of the wrist against the writing surface, to arthritis, cysts, local trauma, diabetes etc.
Another possibility would be nerve root compression in the neck due to a herniated disc, but usually it is accompanied by neck pain.
One last option to exclude are motor neuron disease which can also manifest with weakness in a limb, but at your age it is highly unlikely.
As for what you should do, the first step would be see a neurologist for a neurological physical exam, to examine changes in you reflexes, muscle atrophy, motor strength, and sensation and according to the areas involved identifying the possible nerves involved. Based on the findings the most common test to identify nerve and muscle changes are electrophysiological studies which include nerve conduction studies and electromyography.
I remain at your disposal for other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Doctor. I work in front of computer often and the muscle around my neck is stiffen. They are not painful though. Could that be the reason?
XXXX
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I would say it is not that likely, more commonly it is unilateral pain or abnormal sensations spreading along the shoulder and length of the arm (along the nerve trajectory).
I would hold it much more likely for the wrist pressing upon your computer desk to be responsible considering that type of work.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I would say it is not that likely, more commonly it is unilateral pain or abnormal sensations spreading along the shoulder and length of the arm (along the nerve trajectory).
I would hold it much more likely for the wrist pressing upon your computer desk to be responsible considering that type of work.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I see. Thank you. If it is wrist pressing upon computer desk which caused it, is there anyway to cure it? And should I still go visit a neurologist?
Thank you doctor!
XXXX
Thank you doctor!
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
To answer your second question first, unless you can pinpoint a certain wrist compression during your activity I still think you should see a neurologist to confirm the diagnosis, mine is a hypothesis, it must be confirmed by exam and nerve conduction study. Only once the diagnosis is confirmed can the cause (wrist compression or else) be sought and corrected. Also nerve conduction studies localize the compression site, might not be at the wrist but forearm or elbow.
Once/if the site of compression has been identified you should avoid actions which lead to prolonged compression, rest from time to time, change posture, keyboard or mouse position.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
To answer your second question first, unless you can pinpoint a certain wrist compression during your activity I still think you should see a neurologist to confirm the diagnosis, mine is a hypothesis, it must be confirmed by exam and nerve conduction study. Only once the diagnosis is confirmed can the cause (wrist compression or else) be sought and corrected. Also nerve conduction studies localize the compression site, might not be at the wrist but forearm or elbow.
Once/if the site of compression has been identified you should avoid actions which lead to prolonged compression, rest from time to time, change posture, keyboard or mouse position.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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