San Francisco, CA
A 34-year-old female asked:
Post carpal tunnel surgery, can a follow-up nerve conduction study (ncs) have adverse effects or make the hand worse. can ncs lead to complex regional pain syndrome?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Dariush Saghafianswered
Neurology 35 years experience
Not really ; Ditto: Although I am not sure why a follow-up nerve conduction study would be necessary there is little chance that could cause any type of harm or worsening of symptoms. I am unaware of any literature that supports the notion of complex regional pain syndrome as a result of a nerve conduction study.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Dariush Saghafi commented
Neurology 35 years experience
Provided original answer
Thanks for the link. I perused some of it. Quite true that many surgeries for CT release do not result in optimal improvement as hoped for and in many instances reason remains unclear. Few would f/u with ultrasound studies but that is entirely reasonable to do and kudos to the diligence of the doc who thought about it. Good luck to you.
Jan 12, 2014
Dr. Steven Brownanswered
Hand Surgery 41 years experience
F/u NCS unreliable: Not sure of reason for post surgical ncs. In most patients with moderate to severe cts the ncs will never return to normal due to axonal damage and scaring. This is particularly true in first year after release. Ncs will not make symptoms worse based on present literature. I would question treating physician on rational for ncs, are they already questioning rsd/complex regional pain syndrome.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Kevin Vaughtanswered
30 years experience
Not likely: I have never heard of nerve injuries from an emg/ncs. That would be an unlikely cause of complex regional pain syndrome. If you have continued problems, consider a second opinion.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Zahid Niazianswered
Cosmetic Surgery 41 years experience
Regional pain syndro: Studies repeated soon after a surgical release will not show any improvement as nerves recover slowly. If a person is in the prodromal phase of regional pain syndrome then any injury may seem to bring on the full blown picture. Most surgeons will not usually carry out any routine operations on patients with full blown regional pain syndrome. See a pain specialist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 24, 2021
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
