Which nerve is affected by carpal tunnel syndrome?

Which nerve is affected by carpal tunnel syndrome?

• A. Median nerve
• B. Ulnar nerve
• C. Radial nerve
• D. Axillary nerve

Answer: (A)

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, alongside several flexor tendons. This leads to sensory changes in the thumb, index, middle, and the lateral half of the ring finger, and can weaken the thumb-side of the hand due to involvement of the thenar muscles. The other nerves have different paths and areas of responsibility: the ulnar nerve covers the little finger side and most intrinsic hand muscles; the radial nerve supplies the back of the hand and some forearm extensors; the axillary nerve serves the shoulder region. Because the carpal tunnel specifically contains the median nerve, its compression best explains the typical symptoms and pattern seen in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, alongside several flexor tendons. This leads to sensory changes in the thumb, index, middle, and the lateral half of the ring finger, and can weaken the thumb-side of the hand due to involvement of the thenar muscles. The other nerves have different paths and areas of responsibility: the ulnar nerve covers the little finger side and most intrinsic hand muscles; the radial nerve supplies the back of the hand and some forearm extensors; the axillary nerve serves the shoulder region. Because the carpal tunnel specifically contains the median nerve, its compression best explains the typical symptoms and pattern seen in carpal tunnel syndrome.