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Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Autonomic dysfunction in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome
J Verghese1, A S Galanopoulou, S Herskovitz
1Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology/Einstein Aging Study, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. jove@dnamail.com
Muscle & Nerve
|August 3, 2000
Summary
Autonomic disturbances, including swelling and Raynaud's phenomenon, are common in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). These symptoms correlate with more severe electrophysiologic findings and are more prevalent in women.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Autonomic Nervous System Studies
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is primarily known for sensorimotor deficits.
- A systematic investigation into autonomic disturbances associated with CTS was previously lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the prevalence and characteristics of autonomic disturbances in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- To identify factors associated with the presence of autonomic dysfunction in CTS.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 139 limbs with CTS (76 patients).
- Assessment of autonomic symptoms, including finger swelling, dry palms, Raynaud's phenomenon, and hand blanching.
- Evaluation of sympathetic skin response (SSR) and electromyographic (EMG) findings.
- Binary logistic regression analysis to determine associated factors.
Main Results:
- Autonomic symptoms were reported in 55% of limbs with CTS.
- Common symptoms included finger swelling (59%), dry palms (39%), Raynaud's phenomenon (33%), and hand blanching (32%).
- SSR showed a sensitivity/specificity of 34/89% for CTS with autonomic symptoms.
- Autonomic disturbances were significantly associated with female gender, abnormal SSR, and more severe EMG findings.
Conclusions:
- Autonomic disturbances are a common, yet often overlooked, feature of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- The severity of autonomic dysfunction in CTS correlates with electrophysiologic findings.
- Identifying autonomic symptoms can aid in the comprehensive diagnosis and management of CTS.
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