Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Haley NavarroMarch 6th, 2013

Psychology Honors

Common/Scientific NameCommon name: Carpal Tunnel SyndromeScientific name: Median nerve

dysfunction or Median nerve entrapment

Cause/Transmission

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by making the same hand and wrist motion over and over, such as typing or playing an instrument

This syndrome is hereditary; genetically transmitted

Target Population

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs most often in people 30 to 60 years old, and is more common in women than men

Where and How the CNS/PNS is affected

The CNS and PNS are affected at the palm of the hand since that is the location where the nerve enters into the hand at the carpal tunnel

The CNS and PNS are affected because when swelling occurs, that can pinch the nerve which causes pain, numbness, tingling or weakness

Symptoms• Numbness

• Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand

• Pain extending to the elbow

• Pain in the wrist or hand in one or both hands

• Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands

• Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb

• Weak grip

• Weakness in one or both hands

or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands

Prognosis

Symptoms often improve with treatment, but more than 50% of cases eventually require surgery

If someone has surgery done, it can take months for them to heal

TreatmentWearing a splint at night for

several weeks; if it doesn't help, wear it during the day

Hot/Cold compresses are recommended

Reduce the stress on your wristMedication includes

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen

Corticosteroid injections help relieve symptoms for a period of time

Notable Case

An American orthopedist, George S. Phalen, discovered carpal tunnel syndrome in the mid 1900's

He developed Phalen's maneuver, which is a diagnostic test for carpal tunnel syndrome

You hold your wrist in complete and forced flexion for 30-60 seconds

By compressing the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, characteristic symptoms can indicate if you have or don't have carpal tunnel syndrome

Celebrities with C.T.S.

Celebrities who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome include Julianne Moore and Jessica Alba

Organizations

Mayo Clinic is a medical foundation that empowers people to manage their health

The organization provides health information on disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and how to treat them

1995 to present

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW-9VGpWhBE

Resources

, M.C.S. (1998, ). Mayo Clinic. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Retrieved March 2, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/DS00326/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

(2010, 21). WebMD. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- Topic Overview. Retrieved March 2, 2013, from http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-topic-overview