subject: Understanding The Elements Of A Test For Carpal Tunnel [print this page] When you experience pain, numbness, or even tingling in your hand, there is a good chance you have carpal tunnel. However, you need to get a diagnosis before you can seek treatment for this condition. In order to receive a proper diagnosis, you will need to undergo a test for carpal tunnel. There are several different elements involved in such a test, and you should be familiar with everything you will encounter on the day of your test.
One essential component when you are getting tested for carpal tunnel is a description of your symptoms. While there are many things to discuss during your examination, one of the first things you'll need to do is describe your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. The more detail you are able to provide your doctor, the better he or she will be able to diagnose your condition. If you can accurately describe when you've felt pain and the intensity of it, along with other symptoms, this could be of great help in your diagnosis.
In addition to describing symptoms to your hand doctor, you also need to undergo a physical examination. Your doctor will look carefully at your hands and wrists and may put pressure on your median nerve in order to try and reproduce symptoms. There are many possible tests your doctor might ask you to undergo in order to determine whether you have carpal tunnel, such as Phalen's test and Tinel's test. Make sure you allow your doctor to examine you as carefully as possible during a test for carpal tunnel, as this will help him or her reach an accurate diagnosis.
In some cases, your doctor will need to go further during a test for carpal tunnel. You may need an ultrasound or an MRI to determine whether you have carpal tunnel. While this is not necessary in all cases, you need to be prepared to undergo this type of testing. If you're ready to find out what is causing the pain in your hands, visit Brown Hand Center today. Our expert doctors will guide you through this testing and help you determine what your next course of action should be. With our help, you can make your pain go away in no time.
