Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve Exam
- The palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve provides sensation for skin over the thenar eminence.
- Pain and paresthesias in the area of the radial distal wrist crease or thenar eminence can be caused by a neuroma of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve.
Diagrams & Photos
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Testing sensation in area of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. -
Laceration marked by line causing painful paresthesias and sensory loss in the area of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (yellow ellipse).
Key Points
- The palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve typically branches from the anterior radial aspect of the median nerve 5 to 7 cm proximal to the transverse wrist crease.
- The palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve pierces the forearm fascia at the level of the wrist crease and enter the subcutaneous tissues over the thenar eminence.
- The symptoms of a neuroma of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve can be aggravated by wrist motion.