Carpal Tunnel Syndrome _- Causes, Clinical Presentation, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis & Treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a collection of characteristic signs and symptoms, that occur following compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. The median nerve is damaged within the rigid confines of the carpal tunnel, initially undergoing demyelination, followed by axonal degeneration. Sensory fibers are affected first, followed by motor fibers. The exact mechanism of this damage is not well established. However, it seems likely that abnormally high carpal tunnel pressure causes obstruction of venous outflow, with resultant edema formation, ultimately leading to nerve ischemia.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is not fatal. However, it can lead to complete, irreversible median nerve damage with consequent severe loss of hand function if left untreated. Whites are at a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. The peak age range for the disease is between 45 to 60 years, and about 10% of cases are reported in people aged less than 31 years. Females are commonly affected than men, with a ratio of 3 to 10 in females to 1 in males.

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