Where is the median nerve?
Runs down the middle of the arm, crosses the front of the elbow and passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, under the flexor retinaculum.
What does the median nerve do?
Moves most forearm flexors and the thumb muscles, and gives sensation to the palm side of the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger.
Clinical relevance of the median nerve
- Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often worse at night; Phalen's and Tinel's signs may be positive.
- Risk factors include repetitive wrist movements, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Nursing focus: the median nerve
- After carpal tunnel release, elevate the hand and check finger circulation, movement and sensation.
- Teach the client to wear the wrist splint in a neutral position at night.