What is Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms

• Tingling, burning, numbness, loss of coordination and muscle loss.
• Symptoms may occur in the hand, wrist and forearm. While the exact disease mechanisms are still debated, there is general agreement that carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is frequently caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel.

In addition to the median nerve, the ulnar and radial nerves that innervate (supply) the hand may also be impaired, giving rise to CTS-like symptoms. These nerves can be impaired anywhere between the spine and the hand.

The ulnar, median and radial nerves innervate (supply) different parts of the arm, wrist and hand. Knowledge of the distribution patterns can be used to predict which nerve is impaired based on where symptoms occur.