How to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?

History and physical: Usually one can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome just by doing a good history and physical. People complain of numbness and tingling and/or weakness in the thumb and next two or three fingers. People may also have pain in this distribution if when you tap on the median nerve of the wrist. Other tests which can confirm a diagnosis include nerve conduction studies and electromyography.

History, exam, tests: While the majority of the diagnosis is made by a careful history and examination, confirmation often requires testing with nerve conduction studies, electromyography, or ultrasound. This confirmation is important, as you do not want to undergo surgical release without being absolutely sure that the carpal tunnel is the source of the problem!

CTS: In addition to a history and physical exam, an EMG and nerve conduction study can confirm CTS.

Exam: Physical exam gives a good idea whether symptoms are from carpal tunnel syndrome, a nerve conduction can confirm the diagnosis and also show the severity of it as well.

Physical exam: Numbness in the thumb, index,middle, and radial ring fingers. Weakness of the thenar eminence muscles, loss of dexterity, and loss of strength also occur. Numbness that awakens you at night indicates possible carpal tunnel syndrome. Tests include nerve conduction studies, and physical exam with phalen's,tinel's, and Durkin's signs being assessed. See a Hand Surgeon