Cross-sectional differences in nerve conduction in the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This study explored the degree to which various signal components present i n Nerve Conduction Testing (NCT) could identify subjects across a wide age range with, and without carpal tunnel syndrome. Results revealed strong age -related differences in the different signals from different nerves which s uggest the potential for enhanced diagnosis and evaluation for different ag e cohorts. Age was not confounded with diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome arguing against a qualitatively based "age adjustment" of the various signa l components that comprise the NCT The results of this study argue for the development of individual signal components for differential diagnosis. The aging of the population and the disabling consequences of work-related han d disorders argue strongly for the increased use of differential diagnosis to prevent, or reduce the development of syndromes such as carpal tunnel.