Loading.. It may take a few seconds

Carpal Tunnel DiagramCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the inflammatory disorder that is caused by a pinched nerve (median nerve) in the wrist, usually due to repetitive stress or traumatic injury.

The actual carpal tunnel is a small canal or tunnel runs from the forearm through the wrist. Bones form three walls of the tunnel, which are bridged by strong, broad ligament. The median nerve passes through this tunnel, which actually supplies feeling to the thumb, index, and ring fingers, the nine tendons that flex the fingers and also provides function for the thenar muscles, which are actually the muscles at the base of the thumb.

When the protective lining of the tendons within the carpal tunnel inflamed and swell or when the ligament that forms the roof becomes thicker and broader leads to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The result is compression on median nerve fibers due to the swollen tendons and thickened ligaments; there will be slow down in the transmission of the nerve signals through this carpal tunnel.

Diagnosis

The different diagnosis techniques for CTS are:

  1. Self-Assessment Tests,
  2. Physical Examination Tests,
  3. Imaging Test,
  4. Electrodiagnostic Tests,
  5. Investigative Tests.

Self-Assessment Tests:

A diagram of hand and wrist which is divided in six regions is shown by some doctors, in which the patients are told to indicate where exactly are they experiencing the symptoms like numbness, pain, tingling and even they are asked to rate the severity of symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Self-Assessment is a good first step to determining whether one is suffering from CTS.

Physical Examination Testing Technique:

The doctors will perform small maneuvers called the “Provocative Tests” during the Physical examination. This test is mainly for distinguishing between Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other disorders. In one kind of test the median nerve is tapped over to produce a tingling sensation or mild shock sensation called the Tinel’s sign by the doctor.

Another type of technique is the Phalen’s test in which, the patient’s elbow is rested on a table and lets the wrists dangle with fingers pointing downwards and the backs of the hands pressed together which looks like backward praying. Within a minute if the symptoms are developed then Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is indicated.

The weakness of the muscles is also may be tested by the doctor by pressing on the thumb as the patient holds it and the little finger together. The using wrist-flexion tests, the doctor may even ask the patient to try and reproduce symptoms.

Imaging Techniques:

The Imaging Techniques like the Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (as well as basic X-rays tests) are very accurate in determining the severity of symptoms. Other imaging techniques like the Ultrasound Imaging are useful in revealing the abnormalities in the wrist.

Electrodiagnostic Tests :

If it cannot be identified by the simple Self-assessment testing technique or by Physical Assessment testing techniques or by Medical history, then it is best to go for this Electrodiagnostic Tests. Electrodiagnostic tests are of two types:

  • Nerve Conduction Studies and
  • Electromyographies.

These two detect the median nerve compression in the carpal tunnel by analyzing the electric waveforms of nerves and muscles. In the Nerve conduction studies, the surface electrodes are first fastened to the wrist and hand and small shocks are applied to nerves of the forearms, wrists and fingers to measure the speed of conduction of sensory and motor nerve fibers. In the electromyography, the electrical activity of the muscles into which a fine sterile, wire electrode is inserted is viewed.

The conduction time of Women and the elderly normally is slower than the younger adult men. The nerve conduction speed is generally get effected by certain things like the obesity, anxiety and temperature and skew the results. These two techniques are more effective than other techniques as they detected 84% of effected people and also eliminated 95% cases that are not true examples of the disorder. The other disorders like the pinched nerves in the neck or elbow or thoracic outlet syndrome can also be detected by these two techniques.

Investigative Tests:

As reported by some researchers an accurate and consistent tool for diagnosis is the computer-assisted device that measures pinch and grip strength and finger pressure.

Related:

Help prevent carpal tunnel by the use of ergonomic office chairs while at work.

Copyright 2017. Safe Computing Tips. All rights reserved.