Arm paralysis

Paralysis is a disorder of motor activity, which is manifested by a complete lack of movement. If movement is preserved, but for certain reasons weakened to one degree or another, then such a disorder is called paresis.

The pathology is divided into several types, depending on the location of the lesion and its severity:

• paraplegia - paralysis of the arms or legs
• quadriplegia – paralysis of both arms and legs
• hemiplegia - paralysis of the body on one side

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Causes of hand paralysis

Paralysis of the arms can occur due to injuries, encephalomyelitis, infectious diseases (inflammation of the meninges, tuberculosis, viral encephalitis, poliomyelitis), metabolic disorders, diseases of the vascular system, cancerous tumors, severe poisoning.

Paralysis of the arms can be caused by congenital or hereditary diseases of the central nervous system.

Among the toxic causes: deficiency of vitamins B1, B6, PP, alcoholic polyneuropathy, poisoning with heavy metal salts.

In some cases, paralysis occurs after injuries or fractures in which the motor conducting center is damaged.

Paralysis often occurs in mentally ill people.

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Pathogenesis

Paralysis is divided into spastic and peripheral.

In spastic paralysis, the central neurons responsible for the motor functions of the hand are affected, which leads to pathological reflexes, muscle tone, and increased tendon and periosteal reflexes.

In peripheral cases, peripheral neurons are affected, in which case tendon and periosteal reflexes are completely absent and muscle tone is weakened.

Most often, paralysis of the arms is associated with peripheral lesions, extremely rare is central paralysis (transient), which is caused by impaired blood circulation in the brain with hypertension or cerebral atherosclerosis, convulsive epileptic seizures. Peripheral lesions develop due to damage to the nerves of the brachial plexus or 5 and 6 cervical vertebrae (usually temporary).

When the arm is paralyzed, it is impossible to raise or lower the arm, and the mobility of the elbow joint is limited.

According to experts, the pathology is based on a neurological disorder resulting from a blow to the neck or shoulder (possibly during exercise, wrestling, falling, etc.).

Paralysis of the upper limbs can develop against the background of tick-borne encephalitis, when during fever paralysis of the neck muscles, shoulder girdle, and proximal parts of the arms occurs.

Symptoms of hand paralysis

Paralysis of the arms is characterized by a lack of muscle strength, increased tone and muscle spasm, with significant impairment of reflexes (increased or completely absent), insensitivity to pain, and impaired blood circulation.

Paralysis of arms and legs

It is believed that paralysis of the arms and legs (tetraplegia) occurs with severe damage to the spinal cord, and the arm can be completely or partially paralyzed.

In tetraplegia, the 4th, 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae are affected, but the patient can bend or raise his arms. Damage to the 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae leads to immobilization of the lower limbs, hands, and wrist joints (the ability to bend the arms and move the shoulders is preserved).

A spinal cord injury in the lumbar or sternum region can paralyze the legs above or below the knees, depending on the severity of the spinal cord injury.

Paralysis of the limbs can be spastic or peripheral.

Spastic paralysis is associated with damage to central neurons.

Most often, this type of tetraplegia occurs after a stroke.

Damage to peripheral neurons results in peripheral paralysis of the limbs. This tetraplegia is characterized by the absence of one or more reflexes and atrophy.

Paralysis can develop after any disruption in the functioning of the nervous system and this condition can be associated with a variety of reasons - infections, viruses, injuries, etc. According to statistics, paralysis of the limbs in most cases is caused by injuries (during accidents, falls, after unsuccessfully performing dangerous exercises, etc.), less often paralysis is observed against the background of tumor growth that presses on the nerve fibers in the spinal cord, congenital pathologies, inflammatory processes in the spinal cord.

Spastic paralysis results in significant impairment of motor functions, severe muscle tension, but without atrophy. The paralyzed person also has decreased or absent reflexes in the peritoneum. Disruption of peripheral neurons causes damage to some muscles, which leads to a complete or partial absence of reflexes.

Paralysis of the left arm

Paralysis of the arms is the most common problem in people who have had a stroke, which disrupts blood circulation in the brain and causes serious damage to the central nervous system.

After a stroke, in addition to impaired mobility of the arm, the patient is bothered by severe muscle spasm due to prolonged immobility, loss of elasticity and slight shortening.

Paralysis of the left arm can occur due to damage to the radial nerve, which can lead to weakening or complete paralysis of the muscles associated with it (flexors and extensors of the wrist, fingers, forearm, shoulder, etc.).

In such cases, the patient cannot perform certain hand movements – move fingers, bend the elbow, etc.

The cause of paralysis can be various injuries and damage to the arm in the area of the humerus; usually paralysis occurs after fractures or dislocation of the shoulder.

Possible causes also include compression of the radial nerve (for example, after long and strong pressure on the head placed under the arm during sleep, most often during alcohol intoxication).

Less often, paralysis of the radial nerve can occur due to a doctor's error (when injecting drugs into the shoulder), infections, or poisoning with toxic substances.

It is worth noting that even an excessively tight watch strap can lead to damage to the radial nerve.

Paralysis of the right arm

Paralysis of the right arm can develop after a stroke, damage to the radial nerve, or tumors.

A common cause of paralysis is trauma (falls, fractures, dislocations, etc., including birth injuries).

Also, paralysis of the hands can be associated with nervous tension, compression of blood vessels. Paralysis of the hand can occur in hypertensive patients with too high blood pressure (more than 200 m r.s.).

Recently, paralysis of the arms has been frequently diagnosed after overstraining the shoulder muscles, headaches or dizziness.

This pathology is often found among drillers, stenographers, literary workers, etc.

Paralysis of fingers

The ulnar and median nerves, which emerge from the plexus of neurons in the shoulder, are responsible for flexion and extension of the fingers. Damage to the ulnar nerve can cause paralysis of the ring finger, little finger, middle thumb, index finger, and middle finger.

Nerves can be damaged by falling, being hit, or even by riding a bicycle in the wrong position.

Paralysis of the hands and fingers often occurs due to excess weight, especially if there is stress on the hand (for example, in pianists).

Obstetric paralysis of the arm

Obstetric paralysis is a birth injury to the brachial plexus during prolonged or difficult labor, as well as when the baby is in an incorrect position or is too large.

The injury can result in partial or complete loss of function of the shoulder and muscles responsible for movement of the arm or hand.

The main symptom by which the diagnosis is made is a child's immobile, drooping arm.

Often, such injuries of the brachial plexus are accompanied by damage to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which provokes torticollis (timely and competent treatment of the newborn will help prevent the pathology).

There are several types of obstetric paralysis - upper, lower and mixed. In most cases, upper paralysis is diagnosed, which is characterized by damage to the muscles and joints of the shoulder.

The lower form is diagnosed in approximately 10% of cases, with damage to the muscles of the forearm and hand.

The most severe form is considered to be the mixed form, which causes complete paralysis of the arms.

Paralysis of the right arm and leg

Paralysis of the arm and leg on the right side is most often a consequence of a stroke, this condition is characterized by a certain danger to the health and life of the patient. The right side is usually paralyzed in hypertensive patients, with diseases of the nervous system, heart. Often, in addition to the arm and leg, the right side of the face is paralyzed.

The main problem after a stroke with paralysis of the right side is speech impairment.

Paralysis of the arms after a stroke is detected later, unlike left-sided paralysis.

The failure of the left arm and leg occurs with a left-sided stroke, in which the brain cells in the left hemisphere are affected. The network of neurons in humans has a cross-shaped structure, and when the left hemisphere is affected, the functioning of the right side of the body is disrupted.

Paralysis of the left arm and leg

Left-sided paralysis of the limbs can also be a consequence of a stroke.

Failure of the right hemisphere, in addition to paralysis of the left side of the body, leads to absent-mindedness, depression, causeless aggression, memory loss, partial loss of vision, hearing, touch, and incorrect perception of colors.

Paralysis of the little finger of the left hand

Paralysis of the little finger can be associated with damage to the nerves that are in the fingers or hands; excessive stress, compression, and trauma can lead to such a pathology.

Partial paralysis of the arm

Paresis or partial paralysis of the arms is also associated with a disorder of the central or peripheral nervous system.

Paresis is divided into organic (when the cause of the obstruction of nerve impulses can be determined) and functional (damage to the cerebral cortex).

Symptoms of partial paralysis include increased muscle tone in the arm and impaired reflexes. This condition can be caused by multiple sclerosis, strokes, injuries, migraines, tumors, and injuries (diseases) of the brain or spinal cord.

Paresis of the limbs is usually caused by a cerebral hemorrhage; birth trauma to the brachial plexus can also be the cause.

With paresis, it is impossible to perform casual movements, for example, clenching your hand into a fist.

The danger of paresis is that if treated incorrectly (or there is no therapy), the arm can become completely paralyzed.

With paresis, a person feels pain; with concomitant diseases, rapid progression is observed.

Often the cause of paresis is concomitant diseases, so treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause that led to the pathology.

In case of injuries, it is necessary to suture damaged nerves; in case of tumors, surgical removal of the neoplasm; after a stroke, rehabilitation treatment (massages, physiotherapy).

It is worth noting that when treating paresis, a person’s desire to restore hand mobility is of great importance; in addition, it is important to choose a qualified specialist with sufficient experience in treating such cases.

First signs

The first signs of hand paralysis are limited mobility and a decrease in the range of voluntary movements.

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Consequences

Paralysis of the arms is a serious condition in which the ability to move the arm or perform any movements is completely lost.

In addition to physical discomfort, an important aspect of paralysis is the psychological consequences.

In some cases, the patient's own strong desire helps restore hand mobility, but the help of loved ones is also of great importance.

Any paralysis leads to a feeling of helplessness in a person, inferiority, and causes severe internal experiences, even depression.

Support from loved ones will help a person get into a positive frame of mind and improve the effect of treatment.

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Complications

Paralysis of the arms can lead to neurological disorders (complete or partial lack of strength in the muscles), as well as irreversible muscle stiffening and joint immobility.

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Diagnostics

Paralysis of the arms is diagnosed on a 5-point scale:

• normal muscle strength - score 5
• strength is somewhat reduced, but the person is able to make active movements, overcoming resistance (for example, counter pressure from a doctor) – rating 4
• a person cannot resist outside pressure - rating 3
• a person is unable to resist gravitational forces - rating -2
• a person can make minor active movements with the hand - rating 1
• complete absence of active movements – rating 0

Also during the examination, the doctor identifies other symptoms (lack of reflexes, facial asymmetry, muscle atrophy, etc.), how long the arm has been immobile, what preceded the paralysis (headaches, consumption of some canned food, indigestion, fever, etc.), the patient’s place of work and residence (perhaps professional activity or exposure to harmful substances caused the paralysis).

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Tests

During diagnostics, tests are important. In case of paralysis of the hands, a blood test is prescribed - general and toxicological.

A general blood test allows us to identify inflammatory processes in the body and an increase in muscle metabolic products.

A blood toxicology test reveals signs of poisoning in the body.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics allows us to identify various diseases, evaluate muscle activity, detect tissue disorders, etc.

In case of arm paralysis, a pazerin test is usually prescribed, aimed at detecting myasthenia (pathological muscle fatigue). In case of illness, the introduction of the drug allows for the restoration of muscle strength in a short time.

Electroneuromyography is performed to assess muscle activity, the speed of movement of nerve impulses along fibers, etc.

Electroencephalography is prescribed to assess the electrical activity of various parts of the brain (it changes with various diseases).

Computer or magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord and brain is designed to study the structure of tissue and identify abnormalities, hemorrhages, neoplasms, purulent lesions, and sites of decay of nervous tissue.

Magnetic resonance angiography is necessary to assess the patency and integrity of the arteries and to identify possible neoplasms in the head.

Differential diagnostics

In differential diagnosis, the distribution and localization of muscle weakness are taken into account.

Often, when a patient complains of paralysis of one arm, weakness is detected in the other, also when there are complaints of weakness in the entire arm, diagnostics allows us to establish damage to only one muscle group. Quite often, patients understand weakness in the arm as impaired movement (disorder), decreased sensitivity, limited mobility in arthritis, increased tone (in the development of Parkinson's disease).

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Treatment of hand paralysis

Treatment of limb paralysis depends on the cause that led to the pathology.

Nerve damage (due to trauma, fractures, tumors) can cause paralysis of the hands, in which case it is important to start treatment in a timely manner. Usually, a load reduction is prescribed, a splint is applied to the wrist, and physiotherapy procedures may also be prescribed at the doctor's discretion. Self-healing of the nerve is possible, but it takes quite a long time - from several months to several years.

In case of traumatic injuries to the hand, surgical intervention to restore nerve conduction may be required, especially in case of fractures.

To restore sensitivity and mobility of the hand after a stroke, it is necessary to take medications to improve blood circulation in the brain, and special exercises to develop the paralyzed hand (usually performed with the help of an outsider).

To prevent degenerative changes and improve blood circulation, massage and vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed to support the entire body.

It is worth mentioning obstetric paralysis separately, the treatment of which depends on the severity and form of the injury. In each case, a specialist selects an individual treatment.

Sometimes a newborn needs to have a fixing bandage or splint applied.

Also prescribed are B vitamins, proserin, aloe in combination with antispasmodics (euphyllin, papaverine).

In addition to medications, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed (electrophoresis, mud applications, iodine valganization).

In case of arm paralysis combined with torticollis, mud applications are prescribed to the neck, forearms and back of the head (this method is highly effective for such pathologies).

Children with birth trauma are required to undergo a course of special massage.

Surgical treatment is not often prescribed; usually, surgery is performed when other treatment methods are ineffective and is prescribed no earlier than 6 months after birth.

A child with such an injury recovers with proper treatment within a few months, usually full recovery occurs by 1.5 years.

Medicines

Proserin improves the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle, increases gastrointestinal motility, increases the tone of the bronchi, bladder, and the production of endocrine secretions.

The drug should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.

Prescribed 2-3 times a day at 0.01 - 0.015 g, in the form of injections - 0.0005 g 1-2 times a day. The course of treatment is on average 2 weeks.

Euphyllin has an antispasmodic, vasodilatory effect, has a stimulating effect on the respiratory centers, increases heart rate, relaxes smooth muscles, dilates blood vessels in the brain, improves blood circulation, reduces pressure in the veins, as well as intracranial pressure.

Prescribed for strokes at an early stage.

The drug is taken orally at 0.1 - 0.2 g 2-3 times a day, intramuscularly prescribed - 2-3 ml of 12% or 24% solution, intravenously - 5-10 ml of 2.4 solution, rectally - 1 suppository 2 times a day, in microclysters - 0.2 - 0.4 g.

The drug may cause hand tremors, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, headaches, dizziness, rectal suppositories may cause irritation.

The drug is incompatible with glucose, ascorbic acid, and nitrogen-containing compounds.

Papaverine is an antispasmodic and is prescribed to reduce the tone of smooth muscles, as well as to reduce muscle contractility.

The dosage is prescribed by the doctor, taking into account the age and condition of the patient.

Tablets are usually prescribed 3-4 times a day, 1-2 tablets, in the form of injections - 1-2 ml, rectally - 1 suppository 2-3 times a day.

Aloe extract is a herbal remedy available in the form of injections, syrup, tablets, and liquid solution for oral administration.

The drug has a laxative, antiseptic, choleretic, and general tonic effect. Improves intercellular metabolism, tissue regeneration, and increases the body's resistance. Against the background of aloe treatment, allergic reactions, increased blood pressure, bowel disorder, and skin redness are possible.

Aloe is prescribed daily at 1 ml, the course of treatment is 1-2 months.

Piracetam has long been used in rehabilitation therapy after strokes.

It is not recommended to take the drug for more than 4 months, as unpleasant side effects are possible (irritability, nausea, nervousness, abdominal pain, sleep disturbance).

The drug is prescribed at 1 tablet 3 times a day.

Should not be used simultaneously with psychotropic or cardiovascular drugs.

Paralysis of the arms after a stroke requires a comprehensive approach to treatment; in addition to medications, gymnastics and support from loved ones are necessary.

Folk remedies

Treatment of hand paralysis with folk remedies is aimed at relieving the main symptoms.

In case of paralysis, it is recommended to smear your hands with a mixture of pork fat and salt (1 tablespoon of salt per 100 g of fat). After applying the product, wrap your hands in cotton cloth.

At the initial stages, you can take an infusion of medicinal herbs: take equal parts of oregano, mistletoe, yarrow, valerian root, pour 1 tbsp of the mixture with 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 20-30 minutes, take half a glass after meals.

Paralysis of the hands is also treated with clay.

Dissolve 2 tbsp. clay powder in 200 ml of water, soak a soft cloth in water and rub paralyzed hands. You can add garlic cloves to the clay water (grate 3 on a fine grater). Rub your hands for at least 20 minutes every day.

Clay helps reduce pain, draw out toxins, and normalize cellular function.

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Herbal treatment

Paralysis of the arms can be treated with herbs if the pathology is caused by diseases of the nervous system.

Below are some options for treating limb paralysis using medicinal infusions:

• crowberry infusion - pour 2 tsp of herb with 200 ml of boiling water, wrap and leave for 2 hours, drink the infusion 3 times a day, 1/3 cup before meals.
• Betony infusion - pour 1 tbsp of herb with 200 ml of boiling water, leave in a warm place for 2 hours and take 1/3 cup several times a day.
• infusion of peony root (peony root) - pour 2 tsp of root with 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, take 1/3 cup no more than 3 times a day.

• Purslane infusion (used if the cause of paralysis is an infection) – pour 1 tbsp of the herb with 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, drink 2-3 tbsp before meals no more than 4 times a day.
• Tobacco leaf tincture – pour 200 ml of boiling water over 5g of leaves, leave for 1 hour, drink 1 tbsp at least 3 times a day.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is aimed at strengthening the body as a whole, which allows one to cope with one or another pathology using the body’s own resources.

Homeopathic treatment for paralysis of the hands and paresis is prescribed by a doctor taking into account the patient's condition, concomitant diseases, and the causes that caused immobilization of the limb.

If paralysis of the hands is caused by diseases of the nervous system (stress, nervous tension, etc.), sedatives are prescribed to normalize the activity of the nervous system (Stress-gan, Passiflora, Homeostress).

After strokes, Lachesis, Glonoinum, Gelzeimum, Veratrum Veride are used.

For obstetric paralysis - Hypericum, Cuprum Metalicum, Arnica, Gelsemium.

Stress-gan has a wide range of effects and normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, relieves tension, reduces vegetative reactions during stress, unpleasant experiences, and improves sleep.

Passionflower has a calming effect, improves the process of falling asleep, removes spasms and has a depressing effect on the central nervous system.

Homeostress is prescribed for anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disorders.

Lachesis contains snake venom in its composition. The drug has a wide range of action and is used for various diseases. The remedy belongs to the "old" homeopathic drugs, due to the snake venom Lachesis is classified as a potent drug that should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor, without exceeding the dosage.

The drug is usually prescribed as part of a complex treatment for inflammatory processes.

Hypericum has an antidepressant, anxiolytic effect, eliminates anxiety, tension, improves mood.

Arnica affects tissue metabolism, the therapeutic effect is achieved through a combination of different herbs.

The product effectively soothes, relieves inflammation, stimulates the immune system, and has a mild analgesic effect.

The dosage in each case is selected by the doctor depending on the patient’s condition, age, concomitant diseases, etc.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of hand paralysis is performed if the pathology is caused by damage to nerve endings.

Surgeries to restore arm mobility are possible when at least one nerve remains in the arm or shoulder.

During the operation, the surgeon connects tiny nerve endings.

In case of birth paralysis, surgery to restore arm mobility is prescribed no earlier than six months after the birth of the child, if conservative therapy has not led to positive results.

Microsurgical operations on the brachial plexus have shown good effectiveness in the treatment of arm paralysis in infants and have also helped prevent disability.

Depending on the type and severity of the injury, the surgeon may choose one of the following types of surgery:

• neurorrhaphy – suturing of damaged nerve trunks (the operation is performed only if a short time has passed since the injury)
• neurolysis - release of compressed nerve fibers
• neurectomy – replacement of a damaged nerve with an autograft (prescribed in case of a tumor of the nerve tissue or rupture of nerve fibers, as a result of which it is impossible to combine the edges without tension).

All such operations are classified as microsurgical and must be performed by a qualified specialist. Special optical devices and instruments are used during the operation.

All patients require a recovery period after surgery, which can take a long time.

After the operation, the pain sensations first pass, sensitivity and motor functions are gradually restored. The prognosis for such treatment is almost always good.

Physical therapy

Paralysis of the arms is a serious condition that requires a long recovery.

The main role in the treatment of hand paralysis is played by therapeutic exercises, which help restore mobility, prevent hardening, deformation and contraction in the joints.

The therapeutic exercise complex includes active and passive arm movements, as well as special massage.

During gymnastics, the hand must be in the correct position to prevent contraction.

Active exercises are selected taking into account the affected muscle group.

It is recommended to start passive movements at the end of the first week, at first the session lasts no more than a few minutes.

The exercise must be performed at a slow pace, and it is essential to use all the joints in the paralyzed arm.

Passive exercises may include:

• shoulder abduction to different sides
• holding the brush in a given position
• elbow extension
• forearm rotations and twists
• raising a paralyzed arm with a healthy arm

Active gymnastics may include the following exercises:

• place the affected hand on the table and try to move each finger (at first it may not work or you may only be able to move it a few millimeters, but gradually you can achieve greater results and restore hand mobility)
• place your hand palm up on the table and try to make a fist with your fingers (you can use your healthy hand to help)
• alternately connect the thumb with the rest of the fingers (you should get something like the letter "O" or a ring), you can hold your hand in the air or put it on the table
• squeeze a small ball with your hand, over time you need to try to squeeze harder and repeat as many times as possible (this exercise helps to restore strength in the hand)
• kick small paper balls with each finger of the paralyzed hand (the hand should lie on the table), the exercise helps to restore finger mobility.

Therapeutic gymnastics in a pool or in a bath with warm water shows good results.

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Massage for paralysis of the hands

Massage is recommended before therapeutic exercises, it helps improve blood circulation, promotes the restoration of motor functions, prevents hardening of joints, contraction, and stiffening of muscle fibers.

Also after the massage, pain sensations are reduced (or completely disappear), and the patient’s mood improves.

Paralysis of the arms often leads to muscle spasms (biceps, pectoral muscles), so in these cases a gentle massage technique is used - light rubbing, stroking movements, shaking.

In areas with increased muscle tone (shoulder, triceps), deep massage techniques are used - active kneading, rubbing, stroking.

The hand massage begins with the back of the fingers, gradually moving to the wrist; in this case, vigorous massage techniques are suitable.

The muscles on the palm usually have increased tone, so it is better to use light stroking here.

Prevention

Paralysis of the arms can occur for various reasons, but the main preventive measure is a careful attitude towards one’s own health – timely treatment of infectious diseases, giving up bad habits, minimizing stress and nervous shocks.

In addition, it is important to follow safety precautions to avoid injury.

Forecast

Paralysis of the hands, if treatment is started in time, usually has a favorable prognosis. With the right approach, the mobility of the hand, sensitivity and mobility in the paralyzed hand are gradually restored.

Recovery takes quite a long time - from several months to several years, but the desire and persistence of the patient himself, as well as the support of loved ones, significantly improves the effect of treatment and promotes a speedy recovery.

Paralysis of the hands is a serious disorder in the functioning of the body, which not only leads to the loss of mobility of the hand, but also causes a number of psychological problems, so the pathology requires complex treatment and support from others.