In a variation of electromyography, two electrodes are taped to the skin. This test can identify damage to the muscles controlled by the median nerve, and also may rule out other conditions. During this test, your provider inserts a thin-needle electrode into specific muscles to evaluate the electrical activity when muscles contract and rest. This test measures the tiny electrical discharges produced in muscles. This can help determine whether the nerve is being compressed. Your provider may recommend an ultrasound of your wrist to get a good picture of the bones and nerve. However, X-rays are not helpful in making a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Some providers recommend an X-ray of the affected wrist to exclude other causes of wrist pain, such as arthritis or a fracture. He or she will test the feeling in the fingers and the strength of the muscles in the hand.īending the wrist, tapping on the nerve or simply pressing on the nerve can trigger symptoms in many people. Your provider will conduct a physical examination.
They also tend to occur at night and may wake you during the night, or you may notice the numbness when you wake up in the morning. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually occur while holding a phone or a newspaper or gripping a steering wheel.
