Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Health Article

Prognosis

Without treatment, continued pressure on the median nerve puts an individual at risk for permanent disability in the affected hand. Most people are able to control the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome with splinting and anti-inflammatory agents. For those who go on to require surgery, about 95% will have complete cessation of symptoms.

Prevention

Prevention is generally aimed at becoming aware of the repetitive motions which one must make which could put the wrist into a bent position. People who must work long hours at a computer keyboard, for example, may need to take advantage of recent advances in "ergonomics," which try to position the keyboard and computer components in a way that increases efficiency and decreases stress. Early use of a splint may also be helpful for people whose jobs increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

BOOKS

Asbury, Arthur K. "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome." In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, ed. Anthony S. Fauci, et al. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.

Crouch, Tammy. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Stress Injuries. Berkeley: Frog, 1995.

PERIODICALS

Brody, Jane E. "Experts on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Say that Conservative Treatment is the Best First Approach." The New York Times 119 (28 Feb.1996): B9+.

"Carpal Tunnel Syndrome." Postgraduate Medicine 98 no. 3 (Sept. 1995): 216.

Glazer, Sarah. "Repetitive Stress Injury: A Modern Malady." The Washington Post 110 (12 Mar. 1996): WH 12.

Seiler, John Gray. "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Update on Diagnostic Testing and Treatment Options." Consultant 37 no. 5 (May 1997): 1233+.

Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

KEY TERMS

Carpal tunnel—A passageway in the wrist, created by the bones and ligaments of the wrist, through which the median nerve passes.

Electromyography—A type of test in which a nerve's function is tested by stimulating a nerve with electricity, and then measuring the speed and strength of the corresponding muscle's response.

Median nerve—A nerve which runs through the wrist and into the hand. It provides sensation and some movement to the hand, the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger, and half of the ring finger.