Carpal tunnel syndrome , another form of median nerve dysfunction , is one of the more common peripheral neuropathies. Dysfunction of a single nerve group, such as the distal median nerve, is classed as mononeuropathy . The usual causes are direct trauma, prolonged pressure on the nerve, and compression of the nerve by nearby body structures.
Entrapment involves pressure on the nerve where it passes through a narrow structure.
Wrist fractures may injure the median nerve. In some cases, no detectable cause can be identified. This is a fairly common occupational or recreational injury. Prevention varies depending on the cause. Avoid prolonged repetitive movement of the wrist.