Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment [3 or 5]

How can I determine if I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

1. Use your own observation of symptoms. For a simple test, place the backs of your hands together with your fingers pointing straight down and your elbows pointing straight out to the side(wrist are at a 90 degree angle). If the symptoms are brought on by you holding this position for one minute, you most likely have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
2. Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
3. Electrophysiologic nerve tests (they record the electrical activity of muscles) and x-rays of the hand and wrist.

What is the normal course of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is usually curable and sometimes spontaneously, sometimes with surgery. Surgery is usually needed if muscle is beginning to atrophy (waste) or if nerve changes develop. If pregnancy is the cause, the problem usually clears up after delivery.

What is the possibility of surgery correcting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Surgery may be recommended to free the pinched nerve. It provides almost complete relief from all symptoms in 95% of patients. The procedure may be done on an outpatient basis.

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