Question

Mr. Smith staggered home after a long night at the local pub. While attempting to navigate the stairs, he passed out cold and lay all night with his right armpit straddling the staircase banister. When he awoke the next morning, he found he had no sensation in his right arm and hand.

i. Explain what caused this loss of sensation.

ii. An injection of adrenaline may assist Mr. Smith to regain consciousness. Explain why

Answer 1

1)Mr. Smith injured his radial nerve due to external pressure on the nerve in the spiral groove of the humerus while is armit straddling the staircase banister. Continues pressure interrupts with the blood flow along with oxygen and nutrients in the neuron synapses that is why impulse transmission is inhibited.

2) Adrenaline helps to react the body more quickly. Adrenaline cause increase in blood flow in the muscles and brain . So when the blood flow increased it caused regain of the sensation due to adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients.