How to Examine Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Clinical Skills Deep Dive - Dr Gill
When a patient complains of numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in one or both hands carpal tunnel syndrome should be considered. In this video, we will do a step-by-step explanation of how to examine for median nerve compression, which is the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome
Important to make sure that you are confident in performing these three special tests, which may give you further insight into the underlying pathology in order to make your diagnosis - those tests are Tinel's test, Phalen's Test and Durkan's Test. We will go through and explain each of the carpal tunnel special tests in this video
Please note that there is no ABSOLUTE way to perform a clinical examination. Different institutions and even clinicians will have differing degrees of variations - the aim is the effectively identify medically relevant signs.
However during OSCE assessments. Different medical schools, nursing colleges, and other health professional courses will have their own preferred approach to a clinical assessment - you should concentrate on THEIR marks schemes for your assessments.
The examination demonstrated here is derived from Macleod's Clinical Examination - a recognized standard textbook for clinical skills.
Some patience watching this video may experience an ASMR phenomenon
#CarpalTunnel #ASMR #DrGill
You can now consult via video or in person with Dr Gill at Dr Finlay’s Private Practice - https://www.drfinlays.co.uk/services/video-consultation/
00:00 - Introduction
00:47 - Patient Verification
01:00 - Identifying Symptoms and Affected Fingers
01:29 - Assess Dominant Hand
01:54 - Physical Examination: Observing the Hands
02:48 - Checking for Muscle Wasting and Symmetry
04:39 - Testing Thumb Movements and Strength
05:13 - Testing Thumb Opposition and Strength
06:45 - Sensation Testing: Median Nerve Distribution
07:48 - Using a Neurotip for Sensory Assessment
09:28 - Special Tests for Carpal Tunnel: Tinel's, Phalen's, and Durkan's Tests
11:39 - Performing Phalen's Test
12:29 - Conducting Durkan's Test
15:08 - Testing Hand Functionality
15:52 - Discussion on Management and Referral for Neurophysiology Testing
16:24 - Advice on Ergonomics and Preventive Measures
17:01 - Closing Thoughts