Contact Information Scan the QR code to learn Neurology Department more about other NNI@TTSH Neuroscience conditions , NNI Block, Neuroscience Clinic 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433 Main Tel: (65) 6357 7153 Appt. Tel: (65) 6330 6363 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nni.com.sg

Scan QR code for NNI@SGH directions Singapore General Hospital, Block 3, Clinic L The National Neuroscience Institute operates out of Outram Road, Singapore 169608 two main campuses (TTSH, SGH) and Main Tel: (65) 6222 3322 four partner hospitals (CGH, KKH, KTPH, SKH). Appt. Tel: (65) 6321 4377 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nni.com.sg NNI @ KTPH

NNI @ SKH

NNI@CGH NNI@KKH NNI @ TTSH NNI @ CGH KK Women’s and NNI @ KKH 2 Simei Street 3 Children’s Hospital Singapore 529889 100 Bukit Timah Road NNI @ SGH Appt. Tel: (65) 6850 3333 Singapore 229899 Appt. Tel: (65) 6294 4050 Carpal NNI@KTPH NNI@SKH Hospital Sengkang General Hospital 90 Yishun Central 110 Sengkang East Way Tunnel Singapore 768828 Singapore 544886 Appt. Tel: (65) 6555 8828 Appt. Tel: (65) 6930 6000 Syndrome

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Information correct as of April 2020 Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Risk Factors Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by nerve CTS symptoms often develop gradually and is more • Repetitive wrist movement e.g. working with vibrating compression at the wrist when it passes through the severe in the dominant hand. tools, prolonged typing or computer use carpal tunnel on the palm side of the wrist (Figure 1). • Pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, The rst symptoms include tingling or numbness of the obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, uid thumb, index and middle ngers which may come and go retention, kidney failure or wrist injury initially. You may also experience weakness in hand grip • Pregnancy with the tendency to drop objects. It may rst be noticed • Female when holding objects or driving. • People who are born with narrow carpal tunnels Commonly, it improves with shaking of the aected hand. Occasionally, there may be pain or an abnormal feeling Living with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that the hand ‘’is swollen”. Mild to moderate cases of CTS may be managed in Over time, the condition may worsen and result in various ways: Carpal tunnel persistent numbness, permanent weakness and wasting • Wear a brace to keep the wrist in a neutral position of the thumb muscles. especially during sleep or inactivity • Avoid repetitive movements or overbending of the Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome hand and wrist for prolonged periods e.g. continuous Median nerve Nerve conduction study is frequently done to con rm the typing, handphone usage diagnosis. It usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes and • Lose excess weight Figure 1 does not require anaesthesia. • Steroid injection Nerve compression at the carpal tunnel During the test, small and safe doses of electric currents In moderate or advanced stages where there is signi cant nerve damage, surgery may be advised to relieve The carpal tunnel is a passageway for nerves and tendons are delivered to stimulate the nerves in order to assess symptoms and prevent further damage. The outcome for that control nger sensations and movements their function. A peripheral nerve ultrasound may also be surgery is generally good for most patients. respectively. done to con rm nerve compression. Surgery is done under regional anaesthesia as a day Swelling or thickening of structures in or around the Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome procedure. Side eects are uncommon and include carpal tunnel may press on the median nerve, leading to • Minimise repetitive wrist movement for prolonged wound infection, pain in the scar and nerve damage. tingling, numbness, pain and weakness, usually most periods by taking frequent breaks. prominent over the rst three ngers. • Avoid bending the wrist excessively up or down. A relaxed middle position is best. • Adopt a good posture and adjust your keyboard/ computer mouse to avoid straining your wrist.

C ARPAL T UNNEL S YNDROME