Differential Diagnosis for Radial Nerve Lesion
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Radial Neuropathy: This is the most direct and common condition associated with radial nerve lesions, often resulting from compression or trauma to the radial nerve. It can lead to symptoms such as wrist drop, weakness in extending the wrist or fingers, and sensory loss on the back of the hand.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Saturday Night Palsy: A form of radial neuropathy caused by prolonged compression of the radial nerve, typically against a hard surface, leading to temporary numbness, weakness, or paralysis of the arm or hand.
- Humerus Fracture: Fractures of the humerus can cause radial nerve injury due to the close proximity of the nerve to the bone, leading to similar symptoms of radial neuropathy.
- Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the radial nerve at the elbow or forearm can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the back of the hand or the thumb side of the hand.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cervical Radiculopathy: Although less common, cervical radiculopathy (nerve root compression in the cervical spine) can mimic the symptoms of a radial nerve lesion, including pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm or hand. Missing this diagnosis could lead to delayed treatment of a potentially serious spinal condition.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This condition involves compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels that pass into the thoracic outlet (the space between your collarbone and first rib), which can cause symptoms similar to those of a radial nerve lesion, including numbness and weakness in the arm.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lead Poisoning: Chronic lead exposure can cause peripheral neuropathy, including damage to the radial nerve, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and pain in the extremities.
- Diabetic Neuropathy: Although more commonly associated with distal symmetric polyneuropathy, diabetes can also cause focal neuropathies, including radial neuropathy, due to nerve damage from high blood sugar levels.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) can cause nerve damage, including radial nerve lesions, by reducing blood flow to the nerves. This is a rare but potentially serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.