Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Just a Peripheral Neuropathy?

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered just a peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity associated to the compression of the median nerve. There is evidence suggesting the presence of complex sensitization mechanisms in CTS. These processes are manifested by symptoms in extra-median regions and the presence of bilateral sensory and motor impairments. These sensory and motor changes are not associated to electrodiagnostic findings. The presence of sensitization mechanisms suggests that CTS should not be considered just as a peripheral neuropathy. The presence of altered nociceptive gain processing should be considered for therapeutic management of CTS by considering the application of therapeutic interventions that modulate nociceptive barrage into the CNS.

Keywords::

• carpal tunnel
• nociceptive pain
• pain
• sensitization

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.