Carpal Tunnel Flashcards
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome and what is it?
Usually compression of the medial nerve at the carpal tunnel in the wrist
It’s a mononeuropathy
What spinal segments run through the median nerve at this level?
C6-T1
What symptoms are present with carpal tunnel?
Aching pain in the hand
Sensory loss
Weakness of abductor pollicis brevis
When is pain usually worst in carpal tunnel?
At night
Where does sensory loss occur in carpal tunnel?
Over radial 3 fingers and palm
What is the abductor pollicis brevis?
The thumb muscle
What investigations should be done for carpal tunnel?
Neurophysiology
- Nerve conduction studies
What surgical treatment can be done for carpal tunnel?
Decompression surgery
What pharma treatment can be done for carpal tunnel?
Local steroid injections to relieve pressure from inflammation
What other treatment can be done to reduce night pain before surgery/if steroids contraindicated?
Splints
