Definition of Distal median nerve dysfunction:

Distal median nerve dysfunction is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects the movement of or sensation in the hands.

A common type of distal median nerve dysfunction is carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Dysfunction of one nerve group, such as the distal median nerve, is called mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy means there is a local cause of the nerve damage, although occasionally systemic (body-wide) disorders may cause isolated nerve damage (for example, mononeuritis multiplex).

Distal median nerve dysfunction occurs when the nerve is inflamed, trapped, or injured by trauma. Trapping (entrapment) involves pressure on the nerve where it passes through a narrow area. Wrist fractures may injure the median nerve directly or may increase the risk for trapping a nerve later on.

The nerve can also be compressed at the wrist by tendonitis, arthritis, or conditions that affect connective tissue or cause deposits in the tissues (such as multiple myeloma, pregnancy, acromegaly, and hypothyroidism). These mechanical factors may cause nerve disease, blocking blood flow to the area.

In some cases, no cause can be identified.

See also: Carpal tunnel syndrome