[Neurological and emotional profile of carpal tunnel syndrome patients]

Our aim was to define the type and frequency of symptoms in patients with neurophysiologically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We also assessed the incidence of anxiety and depression in CTS and control group.

After carrying out neurophysiologic examination 87 patients were diagnosed with CTS, 50 patients without confirmed CTS diagnosis served as a control group. All patients underwent thorough neurological examination and completed a questionnaire about severity and localization of their symptoms. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Self Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Beck's depression inventory were also filled in by the patients.

In CTS patients major symptoms were: paresthesias and nocturnal aggravation of symptoms; pain was predominant sign in control group. There were no statistically significant differences between CTS patients and control group concerning emotional (depression and anxiety) disturbances. In CTS patients depression and anxiety were correlated with: diminished sensation, hand weakness, thenar atrophy and hand pain.

Emotional disturbances appear to be linked with objective CTS symptoms and with pain and they increase with carpal tunnel syndrome intensity.