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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Three nerves—the median, ulnar and radial nerves—create sensation and help the hand move. The median nerve passes though the wrist in a tunnel known as the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is thickening of the ligament that runs across the base of the hand that causes the median nerve to be compressed.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms:

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms primarily affect the hand and finger. Typically, the characteristic burning or tingling feelings happen in the thumb, index finger and middle finger. However, pain may radiate throughout the arm. Common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include:

  • Tingling or “pins and needles” in the fingers or hand
  • Pain that may get worse at night
  • Sensory loss
  • Burning sensation
  • Pain that radiates up the arm
  • Difficulty with fine motor movements
  • Decrease in muscle mass of the hand

To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, a physical examination is needed. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are also done to confirm the diagnosis.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment:

Initial treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome includes anti-inflammatory medication and wrist splints. In many cases, this will significantly decrease symptoms. However, steroid injections may also be helpful.

Surgery may be needed if symptoms worsen or do not improve with medication. The most common surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is surgical decompression. During the outpatient procedure, a neurosurgeon makes a small incision in the palm and makes a small cut in the ligament. This relieves pressure on the medial nerve.

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We specialize in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment.

At Nashville Neurosurgery Associates, we are proud to be one of the region’s leading neurosurgical centers. Our team of board-certified surgeons provide expert care and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

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REX ARENDALL, MD

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

JAMES M. BARRY, MD

Fellowship-Trained Neurosurgeon
obbi-Franklin-MD_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates

ROBBI L. FRANKLIN, MD

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Khan-Li-MD_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates-2

KHAN LI, MD

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

D. TIMOTHY LOCKNEY, MD

Fellowship-Trained Neurosurgeon
Chine-Logan-DO_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates-2

CHINE SP LOGAN, DO, PHD, MHA, MS, FACS, FACOS

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Robert-Mericle-MD_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates

ROBERT A. MERICLE, MD, FAANS

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
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WILLIAM SCHOOLEY, MD

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Christopher-Storey-MD_Nashville-Neurosurgery-Associates

CHRISTOPHER STOREY, MD, PHD

Fellowship-Trained Neurosurgeon
Arthur Ulm MD Nashville NeurosurgeryAssociates

ARTHUR J. ULM, MD

Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

Fred Johnson

After going through pain management, Fred was referred to Dr. Ulm by another doctor. In just one week after his surgery, he was able to stop his pain medication and has been pain free since!

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