A Case Report of Isolated Radial Nerve Palsy physiotherapy

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

Abstract

Isolated radial nerve palsy is caused by pressing this nerve and it is usually caused by the excessive pressure either in the uterus or during the labor. Isolated radial nerve palsy should be considered different from brachial plexus damages. In brachial plexus damages depending on the damage degree and involved spinal roots, different disorders such as disability in brachial abduction, disability in elbow, wrist and digital flexion and extension may be observed,  however, in isolated radial nerve palsy weakness is only reported in extension power. In isolated radial nerve palsy depending on the level of pressure and damage, different symptoms are suspected but the most common symptom is inability in extension of wrist and fingers, which is called wrist drop.
This phenomenon is a rare condition and usually recuperates by itself. In the present case report, we have described a newborn case with isolated radial nerve palsy. This male newborn was born after a long labor during which his radial nerve was pressed, so he was born with wrist drop. By prescribing Physical therapy modalities including IR (Infrared), Gentle Massage, Electrical Stimulation (IDC), Gentle Rang of Motion, the patient was completely revealed from the disease.

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