Saturday night palsy is a form of radial nerve injury. This is the largest nerve from the brachial plexus, controlling wrist and finger extension, and sensation on the back of the hand.

Doctor Nguyen Huu Khanh, a Specialist Level I at the Center for Neurosciences, Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, stated that this condition often occurs after a deep sleep, when the arm is compressed for an extended period without the sleeper realizing it. Upon waking, patients may be unable to lift their wrist, their hand may droop, and they might experience numbness or significant weakness in one arm.

Several common sleeping positions increase the risk of radial nerve compression. The most frequent is sleeping on one's side, with the head or body pressing on the arm for a long time. In such cases, the nerve is squeezed between the humerus and a hard surface like a bed or chair, leading to reduced blood supply and nerve swelling. This situation commonly affects individuals who sleep deeply, consume alcohol, or take sedatives.

The radial nerve runs superficially along the outer side of the arm. If one sleeps slumped over a table, sofa, or car seat with the arm dangling, this nerve is highly susceptible to injury from prolonged pressure, resulting in a sensation similar to arm paralysis upon waking.

Lying on the stomach with the arm pressed under the chest or twisted backward also poses a high risk. Direct pressure on the arm hinders the circulation that nourishes the nerve. The habit of resting an arm over the edge of a bed or chair while in a deep sleep can stretch and compress the nerve, worsening symptoms.

According to Doctor Khanh, Saturday night palsy typically causes weakness in the wrist and finger extensor muscles, leading to a drooping hand and difficulty grasping objects. Some individuals also experience numbness and reduced sensation on the back of the hand. However, patients can still move their shoulder and elbow, and do not exhibit facial asymmetry or slurred speech, which helps differentiate it from a stroke.

Most cases of Saturday night palsy can recover if detected and treated correctly. Patients are usually advised to rest, avoid compression, wear a wrist splint in a neutral position, and combine this with medication to reduce nerve swelling or physical therapy. Recovery time varies from several weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the injury.

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Doctor Khanh advises against complacency if arm paralysis occurs after waking. If arm weakness persists for more than a few days, numbness gradually increases, pain is severe, or symptoms do not improve after initial treatment, patients should seek examination at a hospital with a neurology department. They can then undergo evaluation using electromyography or imaging to rule out more severe injuries.

Preventing this syndrome involves avoiding sleeping positions that compress the arm, such as slumping over tables or chairs, and not consuming large amounts of alcohol before sleep. While sleeping, it is advisable to change position if numbness in the hand is felt, and to use appropriate pillows to reduce pressure on the upper limbs.

Trong Nghia