A 27-year-old woman comes to the physician for a dull aching pain and paresthesia over her left hand for the last few weeks. The pain radiates to her shoulder and is worse at night. Her hand feels numb upon waking up in the morning. Vital signs are within normal limits. When the wrist is passively held in full flexion, aggravation of paresthesia is perceived immediately. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism of this patient's condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a peripheral neuropathy characterized by pain/paresthesias in a median nerve distribution (palmar surface of the first 3 digits and radial half of the 4th digit), weakness on thumb abduction/opposition, thenar atrophy, and a positive Tinel and/or Phalen test.  It is caused by median nerve compression at the transverse carpal ligament.

A 27-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Physician for a Dull