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.

Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome--clinical criteria and ancillary tests.

Wilder-Smith EP, Seet RC, Lim EC

Neurophysiological Section, National University Hospital, Singapore. mdcwse@nus.edu.sg

Damage to the median nerve within the carpal tunnel gives rise to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which is associated with a wide spectrum of symptoms. The predominant classic symptoms are nocturnal pain of the hand, and sensory disturbances within the distribution of the median nerve, both of which are characteristically relieved by hand movements. Ancillary tests, including nerve conduction studies (NCS) and imaging techniques, are mainly indicated when the classic defining features are absent. NCS are less accurate in the early stages of CTS, and in younger patients. Imaging tests (ultrasound and MRI), while still having a lower diagnostic accuracy than NCS, are proving to be useful for explaining persistence of symptoms following surgical relief. Supplementary tests of small nerve fiber function and measurement of intracarpal pressure might, in the future, improve early recognition of CTS, especially in the absence of well-defined symptoms.

Published 25 August 2006 in Nat Clin Pract Neurol, 2(7): 366-74.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

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