Testing for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A Nerve Conductivity Study or EMG is Sure Way to Diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Doc Helping Patient with Phalens Manuever test carpal tunnelThere are multiple test medical professionals use to detect Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and monitor the impact of this condition.   However, if you have any two of the symptoms listed on this website, there is a 95% probability that you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It is always good to get a Doctor’s formal diagnosis and confirmation of your self diagnosis.

There are also some tests you can do at home to confirm your intuition about your condition.   You will find Self-Test for Carpal Tunnel Here.

If you want to be absolutely sure about your condition, you will want to go to a Neurologists.

Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize as nerve experts.   Neurologists can perform a Nerve Conductivity Study to confirm definitively that you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.   This is a sure scientific test that will confirm the diagnosis.

A Nerve Conductivity Study is also known as an EMG (Electromyogram) Test.   In the Study, the Neurologist measures how quickly the Nerve sends electrical signals through the Median Nerve passing through the Carpal Tunnel.

Neurology Word Cloud ConceptIf the Median Nerve is being pinched in the Carpal Tunnel, it will slow down the response of the Nerve to the external electrical impulse.   Then the Neurologist compares the speed of the impulse to electrical stimulation to known standards for a healthy nerve and determines the degree of inhibition (if any) of the Median Nerve being tested.

Nerve conditions and nerve testing affect people in different ways.   Some people report the Nerve Conductivity Study is extremely painful, others say it was no problem.

Nerve-conductivity-study-Carpal-Tunnel-Testing-The nerve conductivity study cost between $800 to $1500. This depends on where you have the study done. If you have Health Insurance, it will usually cover most of the cost, except for the required co-pay and deductibles.

The truth is that unless you plan to have Carpal Tunnel Surgery, you really do not need a Nerve Conductivity Study.

Health Insurance Companies require that you have a Nerve Conductivity Study of the Median Nerve before you are allowed to have a surgical procedure performed.   Otherwise, the insurer will not cover the cost of the Carpal Tunnel Surgical Procedure.

Nerve-Conductivity-Study-positions-on-hand-wrist-fingers-armA surgical procedure for Carpal Tunnel should be considered as a last resort, because Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often returns even after Surgery. Contrary to popular belief, Carpal Tunnel Surgery is not a permanent fix, it comes back within 2 to 7 years in 85% of cases.

Is There a Self-Test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that I Can Do at Home?