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Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Paula is a 38 year old administrative assistant. She has visited the medical assistant at Heald College Medical Clinic. During the interview with the assistant, Paula explains she was waking up at night with pain in both wrists, Paula also states the wrist pain becomes worse after she has been working on the computer. Paula says she has been using wrist supports but they do not appear to help. The medical assistant refers Paula to the physician. The physician diagnosis is carpal tunnel syndrome. Diabetes, arthritis, is it the underlying cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel, a narrow rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand houses the median nerve and tendons. Thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist radiating up the arm. Although painful sensations may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and widely known of the entrapping neuropathies in which the body 's peripheral nerves are compressed or traumatized. However test will need to be done in order to confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome:
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid permanent damage to the median nerve. A physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck can help
Cited: http://www.niams.nih.gov Tel: 301-496-8190 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267) http://www.osha.gov Tel: 800-321-OSHA (-6742) Last updated April 10, 2008 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke