Medical assessment for Vibration White Finger

GPs in the UK may have little knowledge of musculoskeletal disorders and will refer you to a specialist like a rheumatologist if they suspect you have Vibration White Finger (VWF).  Either your GP or a specialist will carry out a medical assessment process consisting of an examination and tests to get information about your symptoms.  The results then show the severity of the condition.

Standard tests used to diagnose Vibration White Finger include:

1. The Vibrotactile Threshold test: to measure the sensitivity of the mechanoreceptors in the nerves of each hand to stretch, texture and vibration.  Measurements are taken from each hand, in the median nerve (index finger) and the ulnar nerve (little finger). 
   
   
2. The Thermal Aesthesiometry test: to measure the thermal receptors (for cold/heat). Readings are taken from each hand, as before.  
   
   
3. The Purdue Pegboard test: to measure dexterity and any loss of movement in either hand.
   
   
4. The Grip Force measurement test: to measure the grip in both hands.

As medication can also result in Raynaud’s phenomenon independently of VWF, an analysis of the types of medication being used on a regular basis by the sufferer is critical.  The drugs most often associated with Raynaud’s are “beta blockers”.  Beta blockers are often prescribed for high blood pressure and heart problems and are also used in eye drops to fight glaucoma.  Read more about Raynaud's.

Medications that constrict blood vessels in the head are often used to treat migraine headaches.  Although some physicians believe that people with Raynaud’s phenomenon are more susceptible to migraines, some anti-migraine medications can constrict the vessels going to the hands and make the condition worse. Read more about medications which can aggravate symptoms at http://www.medicinenet.com.

A rheumatologist makes a diagnosis of Raynaud’s by asking the patient to describe their symptoms and by examining the hands during an attack.  An attack can be created by asking the patient to hold a glass of iced water.

Angiography (an injection of dye into the arteries) is not necessary for the evaluation of Raynaud’s phenomenon unless there is evidence for blockage in one of the larger blood vessels. 

More than just compensation
If you have been diagnosed with VWF, YouClaim may be able to help you claim compensation. We have helped many people claim millions of pounds in accident compensation for all types of injury, including Vibration White Finger and other industrial injuries. We also offer additional services, such as free legal advice and access to some of the top medical experts in the country.

A risk-free process
Making a claim through YouClaim means you will not lose any money, no matter what happens. If your Vibration White Finger claim is successful, our personal injury solicitors can recover their fees from your opponent’s solicitors in addition to your accident compensation award. If it is not successful, we guarantee that you will be fully protected from all costs and legal fees.

For free compensation claim advice about Vibration White Finger, call us now on 0800 10 757 95, request a call from an advisor with our call-back form, or chat to us online.