Median Nerve Measurement and Steroid Injection for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy that affects 3% of adults in the United States. The current techniques used for diagnosis have limited specificity/sensitivity, and the techniques used for treatment have limited efficacy.

CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old female presented to the emergency department with two months of worsening painful paresthesias in her right thenar eminence. Ultrasound was performed showing a median nerve area of 20.4 square millimeters within the carpal tunnel. Median nerve block was performed within the carpal tunnel causing complete resolution of her pain.

CONCLUSION

Emergency physicians skilled in point-of-care ultrasound and needle-guided procedures can diagnose and treat carpel tunnel syndrome.