Assessment of the Correlation between Clinical and Electrophysiological Results and Risk Factors in Patients with a Preliminary Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a frequent upper extremity neuropathy caused by entrapment of the median nerve at the wrist. It causes discomfort, paresthesia, and sensory loss in the median nerve's sensory area, particularly at night. This study examines the correlation between risk factors, symptom severity, functional status, and electromyography (EMG) results in individuals with a preliminary diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods & Materials: The study included 249 patients referred to the EMG unit at the Department of Neurology, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College & Hospital, Bogura, Bangladesh (Jan–Dec 2025) with a preliminary CTS diagnosis. An experienced EMG nurse conducted interviews and administered a 14-item questionnaire on demographics, CTS risk factors, and VAS scores, while a blinded Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation professional performed and reported EMG evaluations. Results: The study included 204 (81.9%) female patients and 45 (18.1%) males. The median age was 49 years (range: 20-94). The mean total score on the BCTQ was 5.4±1.5. 53.3% of patients referred to the electrophysiology lab with a preliminary diagnosis of CTS were really diagnosed. Females, persons with a smoking history of more than 21 years, and those with diabetes mellitus were more likely to have electro physiologically confirmed CTS compared to those without. Conclusion: Risk factors, BCTQ scores, and EMG findings were complementary in patients with suspected CTS. Female gender, long-term smoking (≥21 years), and diabetes were significantly associated, highlighting their importance in early identification and management.