Saturday night palsy

Saturday Night Palsy or Radial Neuropathy is a condition that results from the compression of the radial nerve. The condition is often associated with sleeping or falling asleep on one's arm, particularly after consuming alcohol, hence the name "Saturday Night Palsy".

Causes[edit | edit source]

The primary cause of Saturday Night Palsy is the compression of the radial nerve. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

Prolonged pressure on the arm, such as when sleeping or falling asleep on the arm
Trauma or injury to the arm
Use of crutches or other devices that put pressure on the nerve
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, that can cause nerve damage

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of Saturday Night Palsy can vary depending on the severity of the nerve compression. Common symptoms include:

Weakness in the affected arm
Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
Difficulty moving the hand or fingers
Pain in the arm, hand, or fingers

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of Saturday Night Palsy typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. In some cases, additional tests may be needed, such as:

Electromyography (EMG), which measures the electrical activity of the muscles
Nerve conduction studies, which measure how well the nerves are transmitting signals
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can provide detailed images of the nerves and surrounding tissues