The effect of psychological disturbance on symptoms, self-reported disability and surgical outcome in carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

In a prospective study, we have evaluated the impact of psychological disturbance on symptoms, self-reported disability and the surgical outcome in a series of 110 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Self-reported severity of symptoms and disability were assessed using the patient evaluation measure and the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire. Psychological distress was assessed using the hospital anxiety and depression scale. There was a significant association between psychological disturbance and the pre-operative symptoms and disability. However, there was no significant association between pre-operative psychological disturbance and the outcome of surgery at six months. We concluded that patients with carpal tunnel syndrome should not be denied surgery because of pre-operative psychological disturbance since it does not adversely affect the surgical outcome.

Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in cases with migraine and tension type headache

“…20 Other studies have also reported the relationship of CTS with depression. 21,22 In our study, the Beck depression scores of CTS patients were higher than those of the control group. We found that the income level of patients with CTS was lower than that of the control group.…”

Clinical, Physical, and Neurophysiological Impairments Associated With Decreased Function in Women With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

“…26 However, other studies performed on patients with whiplash 33,48 and neck pain 42 did not find a link between age and disability. We also did not find age to be related to the CTS-related level of disability.…”

“…15 Deficiencies in sensory and motor processes often result in alteration in force adaptations, which can lead to the inability to adequately perform functional activities with the upper limb. 1 Patients with CTS exhibit physical and psychological 25 impairments before surgical intervention. It has been reported that women with CTS exhibit restricted cervical range of motion (ROM) in flexion, extension, and lateral flexion compared to healthy people.…”

Predictors of Scar Pain After Open Carpal Tunnel Release

“…It consists of 2 scales that evaluate symptoms (BCTQ-S) and function (BCTQ-F). 10 The first scale consists of 11 questions that address the severity and frequency of pain, numbness, weakness, and loss of dexterity. Each of the multiple choice questions offers 5 possible responses of increasing severity, and responses are scored from 1 (no symptoms) to 5 (severe symptoms).…”

“…The BCTQ has been formally validated 7,12 and been shown to be more sensitive than other outcome measures in CTS. 10,12 The CES-D was designed to measure current level of depressive symptoms. The 20 items on the questionnaire are used to measure the various aspects of depression, and each item is scored using a 4-point scale (0 to 3 [greatest depression]).…”