What are the risks of getting radial nerve palsy?

Pressure on nerve: The radial nerve forms under the arm and travels along the lower part of the elbow to the lower part of the hand. Falling asleep with arm draped over back of bench, excessive leaning on elbow on hard desk surface, and arthritis of elbow or wrist can all lead to radial nerve palsy. Disease in the neck may cause specific nerve deficits but not radial nerve palsy.

Classical: The Saturday nite palsy refers to falling asleep on the arm and compressing the spiral groove over the upper arm. Lead poisoning seems to focus on the radial nerve and diabetics are at higher risk for nerve compression syndromes.