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Decreased abductor pollicis brevis and abductor digiti minimi CMAP amp, reduced or absent ulnar SNAP, and normal median SNAP is most consistent with:

a) Carpal tunnel syndrome
b) Ulnar nerve entrapment
c) Radial nerve injury
d) Brachial plexopathy

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The symptoms of decreased abductor pollicis brevis and abductor digiti minimi CMAP amplitude, reduced or absent ulnar SNAP, and normal median SNAP suggest ulnar nerve entrapment rather than carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the median nerve.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described: decreased abductor pollicis brevis and abductor digiti minimi compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, reduced or absent ulnar sensory nerve action potential (SNAP), and normal median SNAP, are most consistent with b) Ulnar nerve entrapment. Carpal tunnel syndrome typically involves compression of the median nerve at the wrist, where it passes through the carpal tunnel formed by the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, and muscle weakness in the areas of the hand supplied by the median nerve, which includes the thumb and first two fingers, but would not result in abnormal findings in muscles innervated by the ulnar nerve, such as the abductor digiti minimi.

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