Facts about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Quiz

Answer: True

The carpal tunnel is a corridor on the palm side of the wrist that connects the forearm to the center of the palm. When the connective tissues in the tunnel become swollen or degenerate the median nerve within this passage becomes entrapped causing pain.

Answer: True

The off and on numbness occurs in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. The pinky remains unaffected as it is regulated by a separate nerve. Numbness usually occurs at night when the wrist tends to be flexed during sleep creating additional pressure on the nerve. A wrist splint should be worn overnight to keep the wrist straight.

Answer: False

Most cases of CTS are idiopathic in that the specific cause is unknown. Other than repetitive activities, factors such as obesity, use of oral contraceptives, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes and genetics may lead to CTS.

Answer: True

Some conditions may be misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome and thus electrodiagnosis is used to provide clarity. When CTS is present the conduction in the median nerve will be much slower than the other nerves. The Robinson index is considered to be the most reliable test.

Answer: False

CTS is more common in women likely because the carpal tunnel is smaller in females. In the 45-60 year age group the ratio of prevalence is 3:1. The dominant hand is affected first and usually produces the most pain. Individuals with a metabolic disorders that affect the nerves are also at high risk, as are diabetics.

Answer: True

Mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome respond well with physiotherapy treatments. Some of the techniques that therapists use nerve gliding exercises, splinting, massages, carpal bone mobilization and education. Coupled with appropriate resting of the affected area and home exercises the patient normally recovers provided that the situation has not become chronic.

Answer: True

Corticosteroid injections are used to reduce pain associated with inflammation when the restriction of activities and the use of painkillers are unsuccessful. An injection is made directly into the carpal tunnel to shrink swollen tissues in order to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

The relief is only temporary and only provides a bridge until such time as physiotherapy treatments or surgery is effected.

Answer: True

Surgery is recommended when there is constant numbness, weakness in the muscles or degeneration and when splinting is no longer effective. Reduction of the pressure on the transverse carpal ligament is performed during the operation.

Answer: False

Surgery is done under local anesthesia and does not require an overnight stay, barring any complications. Following the operation, relief is apparent but full recovery usually takes several months. Patients are encouraged to attend physiotherapy to restore wrist strength if affected.

Answer: True

Following prompt treatment for CTS, patients are able to regain full wrist and hand mobility with no evidence of nerve damage. Chronic cases, particularly those found in the elderly due to undue delay in treatment, result in irreversible damage such as permanent numbness and muscle atrophy.