lcp
We have detected you are using Internet Explorer. To provide the best and most secure experience, please use a modern browser as we do not support Internet Explorer.

Carpal tunnel syndrome - clinical fact sheet and MCQ

15 July 2025 - Medcast Medical Education Team

Overview 

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb, affecting up to 14% of the adult population. It results from compression of the median nerve as it traverses the carpal tunnel, a confined fibro-osseous space at the wrist bordered by the carpal bones dorsally and the transverse carpal ligament volarly. The syndrome predominantly affects women aged over 40 and is a leading cause of workplace disability. Up to 70% of people can have bilateral symptoms.

The primary impact of CTS stems from nocturnal paraesthesia and sensory disruption in the digits on the radial side of the hand, often associated with functional limitations in grip strength, manual dexterity, and sleep disturbance. If untreated, CTS may progress to persistent numbness, thenar atrophy, and irreversible nerve dysfunction.

Aetiology and risk factors

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas eu odio in nibh placerat tempor ac vel mauris. Nunc efficitur sapien at nisl semper dapibus. Nullam tempor eros sed dui aliquam lacinia. Nunc feugiat facilisis ex.

Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Maecenas mauris nibh, tempus sit amet erat vel, pellentesque maximus ipsum. Suspendisse dui nunc, porta ac ultricies id, sodales eu ante.

Medcast Medical Education Team
Medcast Medical Education Team

The Medcast medical education team is a group of highly experienced, practicing GPs, health professionals and medical writers.

Get Medcast Plus

Become a member and get unlimited access to 100s of hours of premium education.

Learn more
Related News
Business skills: menopause in the MBS

Medcast Medical Education Team

Brand icon

MBS item number 695 came into effect on 1st July 2025. This new item number remunerates GPs for comprehensive assessment and management of menopause-related symptoms. Learn what you need to know about MBS item 695 with this fact sheet, including eligibility criteria and practice tips. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD with the quiz.

10 mins READ
Non-invasive prenatal testing/screening (NIPT/S) - clinical fact sheet and MCQ

PRECISE Education Team

Brand icon

An increasing number of pregnant patients are seeking advice from their GP about prenatal genetic testing. This FastTrack covers non-invasive prenatal testing/screening, including how it works, indications, limitations, and different types of testing panels. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available.

10 mins READ
Reproductive genetic carrier screening - clinical fact sheet and MCQ

PRECISE Education Team

Brand icon

Reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS) may be considered for patients during their preconception counselling stage. This FastTrack covers who should be offered RGCS, which conditions it screens for, and what to do with the results. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available.

10 mins READ