Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful entrapment of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist.<br />• Causes:<br />Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression (entrapment) of the median nerve; the compression can be caused by swelling of the tissue around or inside the tunnel, or by bands of fibrous tissue that form on the palm of the hand on the wrist side.<br />Pregnant women and people who have diabetes, hypothyroidism, or rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. People whose work involves forceful repetitive movements that require the wrist to be extended, such as using a screwdriver, are also at increased risk.<br />• Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:<br />Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, tingling, and pain in the first three fingers and half of the fourth finger on the thumb side of the hand. Sometimes the entire hand is affected; sometimes there is pain, burning, or a tingling sensation in the forearm.<br />The burning or aching pain with numbness and tingling often wakes people up at night, depending on the position of the hand. The person may shake their hand in an attempt to regain normal feeling.<br />Over time, the muscles in the hand on the thumb side can weaken and shrink due to lack of use (atrophy).<br /><br /> Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed primarily by examining the affected hand and wrist and performing:<br />1) Nerve conduction studies<br />2) Imaging tests such as ultrasound.<br /><br />Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:<br /><br />1) Splint or wearing a special bandage to stabilize the joint movement, especially during work.<br />2) Treating underlying disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis or hypothyroidism) can help relieve symptoms.<br />3) Injections containing corticosteroids sometimes.<br />4) Surgery in severe cases.<br />Sometimes some relief can be obtained by avoiding positions that strain the wrist or cause increased pressure on the median nerve, and adjusting the angle of the computer keyboard. Using wrist splints that stabilize the hand in a neutral position (especially at night) and using mild pain relievers are often helpful.<br />Dr. Zahraa Tariq Hassoun<br />PhD Neurophysiology<br />