Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Question 1

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Answer 1

Peripheral neuropathy from compression of the median nerve under the flexor retinaculum

Question 3

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome associated with?

Answer 3

Overuse of the hand and wrist
Pregnancy
Diabetes
RA
Acromegaly
Amyloidosis
Hypothyroidism

Question 4

What areas are affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Answer 4

Palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and radial half of the ring finger

Muscle atrophy of the Thenar Eminence

Question 5

What exacerbates pain in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Answer 5

Worse at night and those with prolonged use of hands such as typing

Question 6

What physical tests are used for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Answer 6

Tinel Sign
Phalen Sign

Question 7

What is Tinel Sign?

Answer 7

Reproduction of the pain and tingling with tapping or percussion of the median nerve

Question 8

What is Phalen Sign?

Answer 8

Reproduction of symptoms with flexion of the wrists to 90 Degrees

Question 9

What is the most accurate test for carpal tunnel?

Answer 9

Electromyography and nerve conduction testing

Question 10

How is carpal tunnel treated?

Answer 10

Splinting
Avoid manual activity
Steroid injection
NSAIDs
Surgery to decompress: especially if muscle wasting is present