Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including details on symptoms, causes, trauma, diagnosis, physiotherapy.

Spread of the radial SNAP: a pitfall in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome using standard orthodromic sensory conduction study.

Sonoo M, Tsaiweichao-Shozawa Y, Oshimi-Sekiguchi M, Hatanaka Y, Shimizu T

Department of Neurology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan. sonoom@med.teikyo-u.ac.jp

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of the spread of the radial sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) among patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) during standard median orthodromic sensory conduction study (SCS) using index finger stimulation. METHODS: We prospectively examined 74 hands in 56 CTS patients. We stimulated the index finger using ring electrodes. SNAPs were recorded at wrist over median and radial nerves. RESULTS: A spread of radial SNAP was clearly identified over the median nerve despite its small amplitude, in 72/74 hands during stimulation of the base of the index finger. In hands with delayed median SNAP, two peaks were observed; however in hands with absence of genuine median SNAP, only one peak of the spread was noticed. The proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) stimulation still elicited an identifiable spread in 47/74 hands. CONCLUSION: This spread phenomenon is a previously undescribed pitfall during the standard median orthodromic SCS, frequently occurring in CTS patients. SIGNIFICANCE: In severe CTS cases, one may make wrong conclusion of normal median sensory latency if unaware of this pitfall.

Published 10 March 2006 in Clin Neurophysiol, 117(3): 604-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research Today. All Rights Reserved.