Why Perform Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to Investigate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?

Why Perform Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to Investigate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition caused by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist's carpal tunnel. This compression can result in discomfort, pain, and functional impairment in the hand and fingers.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS can develop due to various factors, including:

• Structural Issues: Thickening or narrowing of the carpal tunnel and surrounding ligaments.
• Repetitive Movements: Frequent use of the wrist and fingers, particularly in activities like typing, assembly line work, or playing musical instruments.
• Injury or Trauma: Fractures, sprains, or direct impacts to the wrist area.
• Medical Conditions: Arthritis, diabetes, or other joint and bone diseases that may contribute to nerve compression.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy or thyroid imbalances that lead to fluid retention and swelling, increasing pressure in the carpal tunnel.

Recognising the Symptoms

Individuals experiencing CTS often report:

• Numbness or tingling (pins and needles), especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
• Weakness or clumsiness in hand movements, making it difficult to grip objects.
• A frequent urge to "shake out" the hands for relief.
• Worsening symptoms at night or after prolonged wrist activity.

The Role of Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) in Diagnosing CTS

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are a gold standard diagnostic tool for assessing CTS. This test helps:
✅ Confirm the Diagnosis: Differentiating CTS from other conditions like cervical radiculopathy or peripheral neuropathy.
✅ Locate the Nerve Compression: Measuring the speed and strength of electrical signals along the median nerve pinpoints the exact site of entrapment.
✅ Assess Severity: The results are classified into mild, moderate, or severe CTS, guiding treatment options.
✅ Track Disease Progression: Repeat testing helps monitor worsening nerve function over time.

How Nerve Conduction Studies Work

During the test:

1. Electrodes are placed on the skin over muscles controlled by the median nerve.
2. Small electrical pulses stimulate the nerve.
3. The response time and strength of signals are measured to detect delays or abnormalities.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Early detection through NCS is crucial because untreated CTS can lead to permanent nerve damage, muscle weakness, and loss of hand function. Based on the test results, a tailored treatment plan is developed, including:

• Mild cases: Wrist splinting, activity modification, and physical therapy.
• Moderate cases: Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections.
• Severe cases: Surgery (Carpal Tunnel Release) may be recommended if conservative treatments fail.

Conclusion

Nerve conduction studies play a vital role in diagnosing, staging, and managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. By detecting nerve dysfunction early, NCS helps prevent long-term complications and restore hand function, ensuring better quality of life for individuals suffering from CTS.

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