CTS Diagnosis

There are many conditions that can cause symptoms similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. It is important to be examined by an orthopaedic surgeon or a neurologist, to make sure you do have carpal tunnel syndrome and not something else. A test called a nerve conduction study may be done to evaluate the flow of electricity through the median nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been found to be accurate in determining the severity of CTS.There are two very simple tests that most doctors do during the initial exam. About two-thirds of individuals with CTS will have an electrical sensation when the doctor taps over the median nerve at the wrist. Another test that is more specific for CTS is reproduction of the symptoms on flexion of the wrist with the forearm held vertically.