Case study ( 6353 views as of November 21, 2024 )
Sheila, a 52-year-old woman visits her family doctor with a three-month history of numbness affecting her hands. She notices the numbness primarily at nighttime or in the morning when she awakes. She has to shake her hands for approximately five minutes to get rid of the numbness. She has recently noticed some numbness during daytime activities such as blow-drying her hair or driving the car. Again, the symptoms are reversible and do improve when she maintains her wrist in a straightened position or uses splints for her wrist at nighttime. The nighttime numbness is occasionally associated with pain primarily along the palmar aspect of her wrist and forearm.
Examination by her physician does not reveal any neurological dysfunction, however her symptoms can be recreated by maintaining her wrist in a flexed position for five minutes.
Sheila could potentially benefit from seeing a physiotherapist for mobilization of the joints, an orthopedic surgeon to assess her condition and her local pharmacist. Also, seeing a rheumatologist may be prudent. A bracing specialist may also be able to help with joint stabilization which may help her in her daily activities.
Author: Dr. Bertrand Perey
Conversation based on: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome " Sheila a 52-year-old woman visits her family doctor "
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome " Sheila a 52-year-old woman visits her family doctor "