Transient forearm conduction block in the median nerve

We present two cases referred for electrophysiological confirmation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Initial nerve conduction studies were normal. Approximately 20 min into the examination, both patients developed sensory symptoms and weakness in the distal median nerve territory while the elbow was extended and forearm supinated. Further studies demonstrated complete conduction block across the forearm in the median motor and sensory nerve fibers. When measurable, conduction velocities remained normal or were modestly slow. Complete clinical and electrophysiological recovery occurred within 2 min following forearm pronation, suggesting that dysfunction was probably due to focal transient ischemia. Patients describing increased sensory symptoms during routine electrophysiological assessments for CTS should be investigated to rule out the possibility of a more proximal abnormality.