Treatment of ulnar and median nerve function loss in borderline leprosy.

A rigid corti co-steroid treatment regimen was given to borderline leprosy patients who had recent nerve function loss due to reversal reaction. In order to record nerve function changes objectively a nerve index was used which was based on the results of voluntary muscle testing and sensory testing. Ninetythreeulnar and median nerves were followed in this study. Improvement in ulnar nerve function was obtained in 60% and in the median nerve in 67%. Overall improvement was better in BL nerves (85%) when compared with BT nerves (51 %). The results show a more rapid recovery of median nerve function as compared to the ulnar nerve. There was a slightly better recovery of nerve function in previously untreated leprosy patients (69%) as compared to patients who developed nerve function loss while on anti-leprosy treatment (59%).