Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Haley Navarro March 6th, 2013 Psychology Honors

Common/Scientific Name Common name: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Scientific 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 or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands 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

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

Treatment Wearing 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 wrist Medication 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 (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 , 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