Electroneuromyography in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

The review is devoted to modern methods of electrophysiological evaluation of median nerve damage in the carpal tunnel (the so-called carpal tunnel syndrome, CTS) which is the most frequently diagnosed form of compression neuropathy of the upper extremities. Specificity and sensitivity of different methods of electromyography (EMG) in diagnostics of the disease, as well as in determining subclinical patterns of nerve involvement and indications for optimal treatment choice are demonstrated. EMG criteria of the CTS severity are provided. A protocol of EMG evaluation of patients suspected for CTS, based on most sensitive methods, is presented. The need of comprehensive electrophysiological evaluation of patients with median nerve lesions is shown, with special attention to exclusion of hereditary neuropathy. Problems of differential and false-positive diagnosis of CTS are considered.