Symptom Distribution and Pain Sensitization in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, typically presenting with numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers due to median nerve compression at the wrist. However, some patients report symptom spread beyond the median nerve distribution, involving ulnar regions of the hand, forearm, shoulder, or even scapular areas. This phenomenon, known as extra median symptom distribution, has been increasingly associated with central sensitization (CS).This study aims to compare central sensitization parameters between CTS patients with typical symptoms and those showing extra median spread. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) scores will be used to evaluate sensitization levels. The initial hypothesis of this study was that patients with extra-median symptoms would exhibit lower PPT values and higher CSI scores, indicating greater central sensitivity. Findings may highlight the need to consider central mechanisms in CTS management and promote more personalized treatment approaches.