Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2005

Diagnosis and evaluation

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

What tests may be used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?

One or all of the following tests may be done to help confirm a diagnosis of CTS.

• Tinel's sign test: The doctor will gently tap the front of the wrist. If this causes tingling or pain in the hand or forearm, it may be due to CTS.
• Phalen's sign test: The doctor will ask the patient to bend your wrist down as far as it will go and to hold this position from 15 seconds to three minutes. If the patient feels tingling or pain, it may be due to CTS.
• Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) study: This measures the nerve's ability to send electrical impulses to the muscle. If the electrical impulses are slowed down in the carpal tunnel, then CTS may be present.
• X-rays of the hands and blood tests may be used to find out if there are any other medical problems that are causing CTS.
• Studies called Electromyogram and nerve conduction velocity or EMG/NCV tests map the funciton of the nerve and help to confirm whether the condition is mild or severe. This electrical study can also help to identify other diseases or conditions that may mimic carpal tunnel syndrome. Certain other conditions can place pressure on nerves at different sites such as the neck and elbow.

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