Carpal Tunnel Flashcards
What causes carpal tunnel?
Compression of the median nerve
Where does the median nerve give feeling to?
Thumb, index finger, middle finger, half of the ring finger
How does carpal tunnel present?
Pins and needles, pain, numbness, weakness and loss of grip
Where do symptoms usually present?
Index and middle fingers
Describe the pattern of symptoms?
Can come and go, typically worse at night
How is carpal tunnel diagnosed?
Clinically
When would you do a nerve conduction test?
If diagnosis unclear
When would you do an USS or MRI?
If other damage suspected
How do you manage carpal tunnel?
Rest the wrist, try to avoid gripping/squeezing, splint for night time
What additional management might you consider?
Steroid injections, surgery to decompress
What nerve causes foot drop?
Common peroneal nerve
