Neuromuscular and nervous systems pathology- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Question 1

what is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 1

peripheral nerve entrapment injury that occurs as a result of compression of the median nerve where it passes through the carpal tunnel

Question 2

carpal tunnel syndrome is a __ nerve entrapment injury that occurs as a result of compression of the __ nerve where it passes through the __ tunnel

Answer 2

peripheral; median; carpal

Question 3

normal tissue pressure within the tunnel is approximately __-__ mmHg

Answer 3

2-10

Question 4

carpal tunnel syndrome can result in tissue pressure within the tunnel that is greater than __ mm Hg with the wrist at rest

Answer 4

30

Question 5

carpal tunnel syndrome can result in tissue pressure within the tunnel that is __ than 30 mm Hg with the wrist at rest

Answer 5

greater

Question 6

carpal tunnel syndrome can result in tissue pressure within the tunnel that is greater than 30 mm Hg with the wrist at __

Answer 6

rest

Question 7

carpal tunnel syndrome can result in tissue pressure within the tunnel that is greater than 30 mm Hg with the wrist at rest, which produces __ within the median nerve

Answer 7

ischemia

Question 8

median nerve ischemia produced by increased tissue pressure within the carpal tunnel results in __ and __ disturbances in the median nerve distribution of the hand

Answer 8

sensory and motor

Question 9

is there an exact known etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 9

no, its unclear

Question 10

what are the associated conditions (8) that contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 10

repetitive use
rheumatoid arthritis
pregnancy
diabetes
cumulative trauma disorders
tumor
hypothyroidism
wrist sprain/fx

Question 11

what impairments (3) might a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome initially present with?

Answer 11

sensory changes
paresthesia along the median nerve distribution in the hand
*may radiate into the UE, shoulder and neck

Question 12

symptoms (6) of carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer 12

night pain
weakness of the hand
muscle atrophy
decreased grip strength
decreased wrist mobility
clumsiness

Question 13

is there a universal treatment for CTS?

Answer 13

no

Question 14

initial medical management and treatment (4) of CTS?

Answer 14

conservative management-
splinting with neutral positioned wrist orthosis
ergonomic measures
local corticosteroid injections
physical therapy management

Question 15

severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome may require what type of medical management?

Answer 15

surgical release of the carpal tunnel