Vibration-induced hand problems: Role of the peripheral nerves in the pathophysiology

A substantial number of people who are exposed to vibrating hand-held tools develop vasospastic and sensorineural symptoms that may seriously affect t he ability to work. Apart from the discomfort of the disease itself, this l eads to socioeconomic problems for the patients and high costs for the soci ety. The diagnosis of the neurological symptoms is sometimes difficult and may be misinterpreted as a nerve compressive disorder such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which may also develop. This review summarises our available kno wledge about the pathophysiology of the neurological dysfunction with refer ence to hand problems after exposure to vibrating hand-held tools.