Autonomic activity in the carpal tunnel syndrome

The authors report the results of autonomic testing in patients with the carpal tunnel syndrome. Galvanic skin response (GSR) and skin temperature measurements in 46 patients and 32 normal controls were recorded and were statistically analyzed by computer. The findings were then correlated with the results of nerve conduction studies and duration of symptoms. Definite sympathetic changes were documented by a temperature increase in the affected index fingers of patients. These changes occurred in six patients who had symptoms for less than six months as well as in patients who had symptoms for more than six months. Nerve conduction studies were positive in 48% of patients with symptoms for less than six months and in 80% of patients with symptoms for six months or longer. There was no statistical difference between galvanic skin response measurements in the patients and the controls.