1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Haley Navarro
March 6th, 2013
Psychology Honors

2. Common/Scientific Name
Common name: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Scientific name: Median nerve dysfunction or Median nerve entrapment

3. Cause/Transmission
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by making the same hand and wrist motion over and over, such as typing or playing an instrument
This syndrome is hereditary; genetically transmitted

4. Target Population
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs most often in people 30 to 60 years old, and is more common in women than men

5. Where and How the CNS/PNS is affected
The CNS and PNS are affected at the palm of the hand since that is the location where the nerve enters into the hand at the carpal tunnel
The CNS and PNS are affected because when swelling occurs, that can pinch the nerve which causes pain, numbness, tingling or weakness

6. Symptoms
Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand
Pain extending to the elbow
Pain in the 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
Weak grip
Weakness in one or both hands

7. Prognosis
Symptoms often improve with treatment, but more than 50% of cases eventually require surgery
If someone has surgery done, it can take months for them to heal

8. Treatment
Wearing a splint at night for several weeks; if it doesn't help, wear it during the day
Hot/Cold compresses are recommended
Reduce the stress on your wrist
Medication includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Corticosteroid injections help relieve symptoms for a period of time

9. Notable Case
An American orthopedist, George S. Phalen, discovered carpal tunnel syndrome in the mid 1900's
He developed Phalen's maneuver, which is a diagnostic test for carpal tunnel syndrome
You hold your wrist in complete and forced flexion for seconds
By compressing the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, characteristic symptoms can indicate if you have or don't have carpal tunnel syndrome

10. Celebrities with C.T.S.
Celebrities who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome include Julianne Moore and Jessica Alba

11. Organizations
Mayo Clinic is a medical foundation that empowers people to manage their health
The organization provides health information on disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and how to treat them
1995 to present

12. Video
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13. Resources
(2010, 21). WebMD. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- Topic Overview. Retrieved March 2, 2013, from
, M.C.S. (1998, ). Mayo Clinic. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Retrieved March 2, 2013, from