These types of hand problems could lead to a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. The most important thing when receiving this type of diagnosis is to obtain the proper test for carpal tunnel, along with early treatment, or permanent damage to the median nerve can occur. Your hand doctor will perform a physical exam of your hands, arms and shoulders to help determine if these symptoms are related to your regular daily activities or if they could be related to an actual disorder.

It is very important to have a thorough test for carpal tunnel, beginning with your wrist for swelling, tenderness, warmth and even discoloration. Your fingers will be tested for sensation, and your palm muscles for any signs of atrophy or lack of strength.

Our hand doctors will use a specific test for carpal tunnel called electromyogram (EMG). It measures the electrical activity of muscles during contraction and at rest. This type of nerve conduction study measures how efficiently nerves can send electrical signals. Our nerves regulate the muscles in our bodies using electrical signals called impulses, which make muscles react in precise ways. Muscles react in abnormal ways when nerve problems are present.

In a nerve conduction study, electrodes will be placed on your hand and wrist. These will be used to measure the speed with which your nerves transmit impulses. During your test for carpal tunnel syndrome, electromyography, electrical activity is transmitted to a screen in wavy, spiky lines to define the severity of damage to the median nerve.

An EMG test for carpal tunnel can take 30 to 60 minutes. Afterward, our hand doctor will share the results with you and provide you with an analysis and then a recommended carpal tunnel treatment method. We want you to be comfortable during the test for carpal tunnel and afterward with your diagnosis. Call us today to book an appointment and your hands will thank you.

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Understanding the Elements of a Test for Carpal Tunnel

[Posted on May 14]

When you experience pain, numbness, or even tingling in your hand, there is a good chance you have carpal tunnel. However, you need to get a diagnosis before you can seek treatment for this condition. In order to receive a proper diagnosis, you will need to undergo a test for carpal tunnel. There are several different elements involved in such a test, and you should be familiar with everything you will encounter on the day of your test.

One essential component when you are getting tested for carpal tunnel is a description of your symptoms. While there are many things to discuss during your examination, one of the first things you'll need to do is describe your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. The more detail you are able to provide your doctor, the better he or she will be able to diagnose your condition. If you can accurately describe when you've felt pain and the intensity of it, along with other symptoms, this could be of great help in your diagnosis.

In addition to describing symptoms to your hand doctor, you also need to undergo a physical examination. Your doctor will look carefully at your hands and wrists and may put pressure on your median nerve in order to try and reproduce symptoms. There are many possible tests your doctor might ask you to undergo in order to determine whether you have carpal tunnel, such as Phalen's test and Tinel's test. Make sure you allow your doctor to examine you as carefully as possible during a test for carpal tunnel, as this will help him or her reach an accurate diagnosis.

In some cases, your doctor will need to go further during a test for carpal tunnel. You may need an ultrasound or an MRI to determine whether you have carpal tunnel. While this is not necessary in all cases, you need to be prepared to undergo this type of testing. If you're ready to find out what is causing the pain in your hands, visit Brown Hand Center today. Our expert doctors will guide you through this testing and help you determine what your next course of action should be. With our help, you can make your pain go away in no time.

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The Importance of Getting a Test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome