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A neuromuscular examination of the arm, hand, and wrist may identify radial nerve dysfunction. There may be weakness of the wrist and finger extension muscles with decreased ability to extend the arm at the elbow, a minor decreased ability to rotate the arm outward (supination), or difficulty lifting the wrist or fingers (extensor muscle weakness).
Wrist drop or finger drop may be present, or there may be atrophy (muscle loss) of some of the muscles of the forearm. A detailed patient history may be needed to determine the possible cause of the neuropathy. Rarely, radial nerve dysfunction may be difficult to differentiate from a stroke in the brain.
Tests that reveal nerve dysfunction may include:
Tests are guided by the suspected cause of the dysfunction, as suggested by the history, symptoms, and pattern of symptom development. They may include various blood tests, x-rays, scans, or other tests and procedures.
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