Saturday Night Palsy

Original Editor - User Name
Top Contributors - Ahmed M Diab and Kim Jackson

Introduction

An object or surface pressing directly onto the upper medial arm or axilla for a prolonged period of time causes Saturday night palsy, a compressive neuropathy of the radial nerve. The radial nerve is composed of C5 to T1 nerve roots, which arise from the posterior segment of the brachial nerve plexus. It begins by running deep to the axillary artery, then passes inferiorly to the teres minor before wrapping down the medial aspect of the humerus and resting in a spiral groove. Radial nerve compression results in a nerve palsy that impairs motor and sensory function. The term "Saturday night palsy" stems from the connection between Saturday night carousing and the resulting stupor, which can cause a prolonged period of immobility during which nerve compression can occur. The result of this compression is a nerve palsy that impairs motor and sensory function. Also, the term "honeymoon palsy" has been used to describe Saturday night palsy.

Aetiology

It's possible that drunk people lose the reflexive ability to adjust their positions while they're sleeping. The classic scenario involves a person dozing off with their arm dangling over a chair or other hard surface, which causes compression in the axilla. Likewise, a person who falls asleep on another person's arm and subsequently compresses their nerve is said to have "honeymoon palsy." Despite the fact that these are the more commonly known presentations, it is important to remember that Saturday night palsy can result from abnormal positioning or use of the limbs that can compress by a similar mechanism. Using crutches improperly, wearing compressive clothing or accessories, wearing a blood cuff for an extended period of time, and more are examples of this.

Epidemiology

• The prevalence of Saturday night palsy has been estimated at 2.97 per 100,000 men and 1.42 per 100,000 women.
• In the United States, it ranks as the 4th most common mononeuropathy, and it is also very common elsewhere in the world.
• It has been observed in patients of all ages due to the injury's mechanism, which is not age-specific.

Diagnostic Procedures

add text here relating to diagnostic tests for the condition

Outcome Measures

add links to outcome measures here (see Outcome Measures Database)

Management / Interventions

add text here relating to management approaches to the condition

Differential Diagnosis

add text here relating to the differential diagnosis of this condition

Resources

add appropriate resources here