nervepalsy

Nerve palsy is a general term for weakness or paralysis of the muscles supplied by a peripheral nerve, caused by damage or dysfunction of that nerve. It can affect any nerve in the body, leading to focal weakness, numbness, or wasting in the muscles it controls.

Common examples include facial nerve palsy, which causes facial droop and inability to close the eye, and limb-specific palsies such as radial nerve palsy (wrist drop) or peroneal nerve palsy (foot drop).

Causes include trauma, compression from prolonged pressure or swelling, ischemia, infections or inflammatory diseases, autoimmune conditions, tumors, or surgical injury. Some cases are idiopathic, meaning no clear cause is identified.

Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and neurological examination, with imaging such as MRI or CT to identify lesions, and electrodiagnostic tests like nerve conduction studies and electromyography to assess nerve function.

Management targets the underlying cause and symptomatic rehabilitation. Treatments may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, splints, pain management, and eye care with facial nerve palsy. Corticosteroids are sometimes recommended for Bell's palsy, and antiviral therapy may be used in selected cases. Recovery varies by nerve and cause; some individuals regain most function within weeks to months, while others have persistent deficits.