Ulnar Nerve Injuries From A Car Accident
Last updated Tuesday, April 25th, 2023
Have you been injured in a car accident and are suffering from an Ulnar nerve injury? An Ulnar Nerve Injury is an injury in the nerve that runs from the neck into the hand. This type of injury can cause sensation problems and movement problems in the hand and wrist. This condition caused by an ulnar nerve injury is also called Ulnar Nerve Palsy.
What is an Ulnar Nerve?
The ulnar nerve gives feeling to the pinky and half of the ring finger. It also controls most of the little muscles in the hand that help with fine movements, and some of the bigger muscles in the forearm that help you make a strong grip. It is one of the three largest nerves across the elbow (the other two are called the median and radial nerves). The ulnar nerve crosses the elbow on the inside of the arm.
What are the Common Symptoms of an Ulnar Nerve Injury from a Car Accident?
- Tingling sensation in the hand
- Burning sensation in the hand
- Numbness or less feeling in the hand
- Weakness or lack of strength in the hand
- Difficulty moving the finger
- Pain in the hand
- An abnormal sensation of the 4th and 5th fingers of the hand
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What are the Causes of Ulnar Nerve Injuries?
- Direct injury to the nerve (from the impact of an accident)
- Pressure on the nerve caused by swelling or injury of nearby body structures (neck or back injuries from accidents may put this kind of pressure on the nerve)
- Long-term pressure on the elbow
- An elbow fracture or dislocation
- An illness in the whole body that damages a single nerve
What Kind of Medical Treatment is Required for Ulnar Nerve Problems?
The majority of patients will have an improvement in their symptoms with these treatment methods:
- Nonsurgical Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Problems- Depending on the severity of a person’s ulnar nerve injury, the doctor may recommend the following treatments:
- Occupational therapy to strengthen the hands and elbows.
- Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonprescription pain relievers to help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Splints or arm braces to help hold the elbow in place.
Surgery for Ulnar Nerve Problems
When other forms of treatment fail to relieve symptoms, nerve-release surgery may be the best option to address ulnar nerve injuries. There are two types of ulnar nerve release surgery:
- At the elbow. The surgeon makes an incision at the patient’s elbow and performs a nerve decompression, and in some instances, moves the nerve to the inner part of the arm so that it is in a more direct position.
- At the wrist. If the compression is at the wrist, the surgeon makes the incision there to access the ulnar nerve and performs the decompression at that location.
Recovery from Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Surgery
Most patients get the bandages removed within 24 hours and stitches are taken out around 10 days. Returning to full activity may take up to six weeks.
Do I Need an Attorney After an Ulnar Nerve Injury?
If your injury was caused at work or by someone else’s negligence in an accident, you may have a claim for financial compensation to reimburse you for medical treatments and other expenses. The longer you wait to contact an attorney, the more harm it can do to your claim. Many injured victims have lost money by not contacting an attorney and failing to properly document their injuries, failing to obtain the necessary diagnostic test, speaking to the adverse insurance company, and saying something detrimental to their case. There’s no need to risk hurting the value of your car accident injury case. Call Nerve Injury Attorney James Murphy now to let our experienced team at Murphy Law Firm begin working on your case.
Ulnar Nerve Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is Ulnar Nerve Entrapment? Ulnar Nerve Entrapment occurs when the ulnar nerve in the arm becomes compressed or irritated. The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in your arm. It can be constricted in many places and depending upon where it occurs, this pressure on the nerve can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the forearm and the fourth and fifth fingers. In severe cases, ulnar nerve entrapment can cause weakness in the hand and loss of muscle mass.
- What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? Sometimes the ulnar nerve gets pinched beneath the collarbone, at the wrist, or where it comes out at the spinal cord. The most common place where the nerve gets constricted is behind the elbow. When nerve compression occurs at the elbow, it is called
“Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.”
- What is Claw Hand? Claw Hand, or Ulnar Claw, is a deformity of the hand that develops due to ulnar nerve damage causing paralysis in the joints of the 4th and 5th fingers. Patients with this condition can make a full fist, but when they extend their fingers, the hand position is referred to as claw hand: the ring and little fingers can not fully extend at the joint.
What Should I Do If I’ve Suffered an Ulnar Nerve Injury Because of a Car Accident?
We know that an injury as serious as an ulnar nerve injury can impact your life and health in many ways. Though compensation from the insurance company doesn’t change what happened, it can ease the financial burdens of medical bills, lost time at work, and more. We want to help you get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. We will gladly consult with you for FREE! 770-577-3020
