Median Nerve Compression Injuries in Workers’ Compensation

The median nerve, referred to as “the eye of the hand” in the medical community, is a key nerve which allows for movement between the forearm, wrist, and hand. It causes the wrists and fingers to bend and straighten and the forearm and hand to rotate. The median nerve is also responsible for transmitting necessary sensations, such as pain and temperature, to the brain.

Median nerve compression injuries can be caused in the workplace and be cause for a workers’ compensation claim. These injuries can also become disabling conditions. In this case, you may be eligible to file a claim for disability benefits. If you are being impacted by a median nerve compression injury, contact us for a free consultation.

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common median nerve compression injury. In fact, 3 out of every 1,000 people in the United States will experience carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a space within the wrist bone where the median nerve passes through. With this injury, the median nerve is irritated by compression, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and difficulty grasping items in the hand. This can be incredibly painful and limit your ability to perform your normal job duties.

Working with vibrating tools or any job requiring repeated movements of the wrist may create pressure on the median nerve and contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Some studies have linked carpal tunnel syndrome to computer use, citing the repeated hand movements of typing and using a mouse. This can entitle individuals to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome

Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome is a more rare median nerve compression injury. This injury occurs when the anterior interosseous nerve is disrupted. Symptoms can include significant pain in the forearm and fingers. This pain is worsened by repetitive action, making daily workplace activities difficult or impossible. Patients can present with weakness and loss of dexterity. They are often unable to bring their thumb to their pointer finger in an “okay” sign and this test is used in diagnosing the syndrome along with imaging.

The cause of anterior interosseous nerve syndrome is still being studied, but some studies have linked the condition to stress, trauma (such as crush injuries), and repeated movements.

Pronator Teres Syndrome

Pronator teres syndrome is a condition that is often overlooked or mistaken for carpal tunnel syndrome. Pain in this condition is localized in the forearm and elbow rather than the hand and wrist. This pain is aggravated by the motion of forearm pronation, which is the action that makes it possible to turn your palms to face you. It is also made worse by flexing the elbow. Loss or change of sensation in the palm is possible within the condition. Pronator teres syndrome is diagnosed through various movement studies and confirmed by imaging tests.

Pronator teres syndrome has been linked to quick and repetitive grasping movements such as hammering, ladling food, cleaning dishes, or tennis. These actions put strain and compression on the median nerve.

Nerve Injuries and Disability

Nerve injuries, which affect nerves involved in motor and sensory functions, can be disabling conditions. Median nerve compression injuries fall into this category, since the injury is to the nerve that allows for essential functions within the hand and arm. If treatment is delayed or mistaken in any of these injuries, the condition could even become permanent. These conditions cause significant pain, and in many cases a loss of sensation and function within the hand, wrist, and arm. This pain and loss of function can affect an individual’s ability to perform essential job duties. If you are unable to hold a job due to a nerve injury, you are able to apply for Social Security Disability benefits.

Nerve Injuries in The Workplace

Compression injuries of the median nerve can be caused in the workplace by accidents or repetitive movements. They can occur in the workplace due to slips and falls, machinery malfunctions, or overexertion. These injuries can also be caused by repetitive movements such as typing on a keyboard, hammering, or using vibrating tools. If you believe your median nerve compression injury was caused in the workplace, you may be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation.

If you have a median nerve compression injury, the attorneys at O’Connor Law are here to help. Contact us for a free initial consultation.