Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Biology Project Work

Mariam TahooraIX A

CERTIFICATEThis is to certify that Ms. Mariam Tahoora has satisfactorily completed the investigatory project prescribed as per the CBSE norms from the school Kendriya Vidyalaya Air Force Station Yelahanka for the academic year 2010-11

Signature of teacher Signature of student

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

On the outset I’d like to thank our biology teacher who has guided us is in the completion of this project; providing us with the

necessary apparatus and information required. My deepest thanks to the principal of our vidyalaya.

We thank our parents for being there and helping us in the completion of this project.


INDEX• Certificate• Acknowledgements• Index• What is it• Symptoms• What happens• Causes•Signs and tests • Self help• Operation on carpal tunnel• Images• Bibliography



Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve -- the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

•Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands or tingling of the palm of the hand.•Pain extending to the elbow.•Pain in wrist or hand in one or both hands.•Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands.•Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases).•Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint).•Weakness in one or both hands.

Symptoms

How it happens

The median nerve provides feeling and movement to the "thumb side" of the hand (the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger).The area in your wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is normally narrow, so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome.


CausesCarpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Typing on a computer keyboard is probably the most common cause of carpal tunnel. Other causes include:•Sewing•Driving•Assembly line work•Painting•Writing•Use of tools (especially hand tools or tools that vibrate)•Sports such as racquetball or handball•Playing some musical instrumentsCarpal Tunnel Syndrome

Signs and Tests to know if you have Carpal Tunnel SyndromeDuring a physical examination, the doctor may find:•Numbness in the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger.•Weak hand grip.•Tapping over the median nerve at the wrist may cause pain to shoot from the wrist to the hand (this is called Tinel's sign).•Bending the wrist forward all the way for 60 seconds will usually result in numbness, tingling, or weakness (this is called Phalen's test).Tests may include:•Electromyography•Nerve conduction velocity•Wrist X-rays


Treatment (self help)You may try wearing a splint at night for several weeks. If this does not help, you may need to try wearing the splint during the day. Avoid sleeping on your wrists. Hot and cold compresses may also be recommended.There are many changes you can make in the workplace to reduce the stress on your wrist:Special devices include keyboards, different types of mouses, cushioned mouse pads, and keyboard drawers.Someone should review the position you are in when performing your work activities. For example, make sure the keyboard is low enough so that your wrists aren't bent upward while typing. Your doctor may suggest an occupational therapist.You may also need to make changes in your work duties or recreational activities. Some of the jobs associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include those that involve typing and vibrating tools. Carpal tunnel syndrome has also been linked to professional musicians.


Medications used in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Corticosteroid injections, given into the carpal tunnel area, may relieve symptoms for a period of time.

Medication

Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that cuts into the ligament that is pressing on the nerve. Surgery is successful most of the time, but it depends on how long the nerve compression has been occurring and its severity.

Surgery


Carpal Tunnel Release (Surgery)


Carpal tunnel release is surgery to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain and weakness in the hand that is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.


DescriptionThe median nerve and the tendons that flex (or curl) your fingers go through a passage called the carpal tunnel in your wrist. This tunnel is narrow, so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain. A thick ligament (tissue) just under your skin makes up the top of this tunnel.First, you will receive anesthesia (numbing medicine) so that you will not feel pain during surgery. You will be awake but also receive medicines to make you relax.In carpal tunnel release, the surgeon will cut through this ligament to make more space for the nerve and tendons.First your surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in the palm of your hand near your wrist.Then your surgeon will cut the carpal transverse ligament to ease the pressure on the median nerve. Sometimes, tissue around the nerve is removed as well.Your surgeon will then close the skin and tissue underneath with sutures (stitches).Sometimes surgeons do this procedure using a tiny camera that is attached to a monitor. The surgeon inserts the camera into your wrist through a very small incision and looks at the monitor to see inside your wrist. This is called endoscopic surgery. The instrument used is called an endoscope.


Before the surgeryAlways tell your doctor or nurse what drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.You may be asked to stop taking drugs that make it harder for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and other drugs.Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your doctor or nurse for help. Smoking can slow healing.Always let your doctor know about any cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or other illness you may have before your surgery.You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the doctor’s office.


After the surgeryThis surgery is done on an outpatient basis. You will not need to stay in the hospital.After the surgery, your wrist will probably be in a splint or heavy bandage for about a week. After the splint or bandage is removed, you will begin motion exercises or a physical therapy program.However, do consult your doctor first.Outlook (prognosis)Carpal tunnel release decreases pain, nerve tingling, and numbness better, and restores muscle strength. Still, most people are helped by this surgery.The length of your recovery will depend on how long you had symptoms before surgery and how badly damaged your median nerve is. If you had symptoms for a long time, you may not be completely free of symptoms after you recover.


Why the procedure is performedPatients with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually try non-surgical treatments first. These are:Anti-inflammatory medicinesOccupational therapyWorkplace changes to improve your seating and how you use equipment at workWrist splintsShots of corticosteroid medicine into the carpal tunnelIf none of these treatments help, some surgeons will test the electrical activity of the median nerve with an EMG. If the test shows that the problem is carpal tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended.If the muscles in the hand and wrist are getting smaller because the nerve is being pinched, surgery will usually be done right away.

RisksRisks of carpal tunnel release are:•Allergic reactions to medicines•Bleeding Infection•Injury to the median nerve or nerves that branch off of it•Rarely, injury to another nerve or blood vessel (artery or vein)•Scar sensitivityPreventionAvoid or reduce the number of repetitive wrist movements whenever possible. Use tools and equipment that are properly designed to reduce the risk of wrist injury.Ergonomic aids, such as split keyboards, keyboard trays, typing pads, and wrist braces, may be used to improve wrist posture during typing. Take frequent breaks when typing and always stop if there is tingling or pain.Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Bibliography

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov• http://www.pdftutorials.com• http://www.umm.edu• http://www.wikipedia.org

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

http://www.pdftutorials.com/

http://www.pdftutorials.com/

http://www.umm.edu/

http://www.umm.edu/

http://www.wikipedia.org/

http://www.wikipedia.org/

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Documents

Transcript of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome