How to Administer the Tinel's Test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Tinel's test for carpal tunnel syndrome is one of several physical examinations a doctor can perform to see if your carpal tunnel nerves and tendons have suffered damage. Your doctor will generally begin by performing a routine physical examination of your neck, shoulder, arm, wrists, hands and fingers before moving on to the Tinel's test (or an equivalent). Read on to learn more about how to administer the Tinel's test for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Things You'll Need

• Physician

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Instructions

• 1

  Log your symptoms. Keep track of the date you first noticed signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, and note the frequency and severity with which they occurred.

• 2

  Make an appointment to see your family doctor or regular physician. Expect that you will be asked to explain your symptoms to the receptionist when you call to make your appointment.

• 3

  Fill out any medical test information forms the doctor's office asks you to complete. They need to have an accurate means of assessing your risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome in order to help eliminate other possible causes of your symptoms.

• 4

  Have your physician tap or press on the median nerve, where your wrist meets the base of your hand.

• 5

  Report any tingling in your fingers or shock-like sensations in your hand to your physician when he presses on your median nerve. This is considered a "positive" Tinel's test result.

• 6

  Be prepared for the doctor to administer the test on both of your hands, not just the one in which you have been experiencing discomfort.

• 7

  Come in for follow-up tests or treatment as directed by your doctor. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the proper use of any medications your doctor chooses to prescribe to relieve your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.

• 8

  Tell your doctor immediately if your symptoms are not responding to treatment, or if they worsen. Feel free to seek a second opinion from another doctor if your condition does not improve after following a prescribed treatment regimen.