How to Use Questionnaires to Detect Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Frequently, health care professionals use questionnaires to determine what risk factors you may have for developing carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly in the preliminary stages when symptoms first begin to appear. It is vital that you answer all questions honestly, keeping in mind that you are always protected by doctor-patient confidentiality laws. Read on to learn more about how to use questionnaires to detect carpal tunnel syndrome.

Things You'll Need

• Physician

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Instructions

• 1

  Contact your doctor. Ask if he has access to a questionnaire used to determine risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome.

• 2

  Find a clinic specializing in hand, wrist and arm injuries and disorders. Call ahead to find out if you can submit a questionnaire there, or if they can recommend a specialist if you'd prefer to see one instead of your regular doctor.

• 3

  Anticipate that a questionnaire that is used to detect carpal tunnel syndrome will be very detailed and quite lengthy. It may take 30 minutes or more for you to complete, as some of them feature 100 questions or more.

• 4

  Answer all questions honestly, even the ones that seem unrelated to your symptoms or lifestyle.

• 5

  Submit the questionnaire to a health care professional for review. If they determine that your answers suggest that you may be a candidate for carpal tunnel syndrome, they may administer further tests to detect whether or not you have the condition.

• 6

  Have any follow-up procedures performed to confirm whether or not you have carpal tunnel syndrome, as directed by your physician or specialist. Follow all treatment instructions closely, making sure that you understand the proper dosages of any medications you are given to treat your pain or discomfort. Report any unexpected side effects to your doctor, and call your doctor's office if your condition does not improve.