Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
1. Explain the risk factors, symptoms, etiology, progression, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
2. Demonstrate the ability to access and critically evaluate information from a wide variety of sources (such as Library databases and internet sources).
Read the case presentation and answer the questions that follow. The Case Study Rubric will be used to assess your work. The Case Study rubric lists the criteria for each question (required resources, word counts and citation requirements).
Case Presentation
A 35-year-old female, Samantha, complains of a sudden onset of right hand “tingling” and pain. This started 4 weeks ago. She feels the symptoms mainly in the right index finger, especially when working at her laptop at her insurance company. It is also affecting her right thumb and part of the middle finger if she works all day. Samantha states the symptoms are worse during the night and early morning. She also noted that she is having difficulty opening jars and is losing her grip strength. Samantha denies any neck pain or history of previous symptoms. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus ten years ago.
The physician completes the carpal compression test and has Samantha perform Phalen’s maneuver/test . Both recreate her symptoms. The physician orders an electromyography and nerve conduction study of the median nerve to confirm carpal tunnel syndrome.
Questions
1. Define the bold words. 2. Describe the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. 3. One of the signs of carpal tunnel syndrome is paraesthesia, a pricking, numbing, tingling sensation. Paraesthesia is a symptom of nerve irritation. Samantha was questioned about a history of diabetes mellitus because diabetic neuropathy (nerve disorder) needs to be considered. Compare the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of diabetic neuropathy to carpal tunnel syndrome. 4. Samantha needs to be educated on the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome. Explain the treatment using terms that Samantha can understand. At minimum this should include any at- home-care, over the counter medications, prescriptions(includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling), alternative or complementary care. 5. Explain the prognosis of the disease to Samantha and preventative measures that can be taken to prevent her condition from worsening.