Aug 21, 2008 8:57 pm US/Eastern
Your Job May Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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If you have a job that involves repetitive movement, you could wind up with carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you have a job that involves repetitive movement, you could wind up with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn reports doctors are diagnosing the disorder with a needle-free test.
When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome, early diagnosis is important to prevent permanent damage. Now doctors in Baltimore are offering a test that gives quick results with minimal pain.
Behind the wheel of his car, salesman Frank Glorioso's feet got a rest, but his hands took a beating.
"My hands would go numb," said Glorioso. "In the middle of the night, I would wake up with severe pain, and it would take about five minutes to get my hands moving again."
According to his doctor, years of tightly gripping the steering wheel caused Frank to develop a common disorder.
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects about three percent of women and two percent of men.
Dr. Thomas Graham of the Curtis National Hand Center says the root of the problem is pressure on the median nerve which runs from the forearm to the hand.
"When that area is compressed, the nerve itself gets compressed and disfunctions," said Dr. Graham.
Doctors diagnose the syndrome with a series of tests including one called NC-Stat. A technician puts electrodes on the arm and hand, then with the press of a button, applies electrical currents.
The nerves respond, providing valuable information about the condition of the median nerve.
"As quickly as electrical impulses can be placed down that conduit, that's how well we believe the nerve is functioning," said Dr. Graham.
Patients feel a small shock, an improvement from the standard needle test.
"Without the needles and electricity, it was a whole lot more simpler," said Glorioso.
Glorioso's results led to surgery on both hands. Now when he grips the wheel, he doesn't have to grimace in pain.
The test is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is usually covered by insurance.
The test takes only 10 minutes, and results are available in less than five.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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