NCT07114913

Symptom Distribution and Pain Sensitization in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Evaluation of Central Sensitization Parameters Based on Extra Median Symptom Distribution in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: —

Summary

This study aims to compare central sensitization parameters between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients with extra median symptom distribution and those with typical, median nerve-related symptoms. Extra median sensory spread, observed in some CTS patients beyond the anatomical boundaries of the median nerve, may reflect central sensitization mechanisms. Using the Central Sensitization Inventory and pressure pain threshold measurements, this study will assess whether extra median symptom patterns are associated with increased central sensitization.

Detailed description

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.

Conditions

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Central Sensitisation
• Pain, Radiating

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Nerve ultrasound	Ultrasonographic evaluation of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel and adjacent levels
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Nerve conduction studies	Upper extremity nerve conduction studies including median-ulnar sensory and motor responses
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Pressure pain threshold	Pain pressure threshold is used to measure deep muscular tissue pain sensitivity.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-21
• Primary completion: 2026-01-01
• Completion: 2026-03-01
• First posted: 2025-08-11
• Last updated: 2025-08-11

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)