Adults with clinical and electrodiagnostic evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) is a non-invasive diagnostic method used to assess sensory dysfunction. The test evaluates individual thresholds and pain responses to different types of mechanical, thermal, and electrical stimuli. For this study, QST will be used to gather baseline sensory data for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. This information will then be used to predict the progression to nociplastic pain over a one-year follow-up period.

Development of nociplastic pain in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, as identified by a Kosek, by clinical criteria suggest by E., Clauw, D., Nijs, J., Baron, R., Gilron, I., Harris, R. E., ... & Sterling, M. (2021). Chronic nociplastic pain affecting the musculoskeletal system: clinical criteria and grading system. Pain, 162(11), 2629-2634.

A significant change in QST measures could indicate the progression of sensory abnormalities in the participants. QST measures include thermal detection and pain thresholds, mechanical detection and pain thresholds, and vibration detection thresholds. Each of these thresholds is measured using specific testing equipment and protocols, and the exact scoring can vary based on the specific equipment and protocol used. In general, lower thresholds (i.e., the patient detects the stimulus at lower intensities) may indicate heightened sensitivity or hyperalgesia, while higher thresholds may indicate reduced sensitivity or hypoesthesia. Changes in these thresholds over time can indicate a worsening of sensory dysfunction.

Hand function can be measured using tools like the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, which includes two scales: the Symptom Severity Scale and the Functional Status Scale. The Symptom Severity Scale measures the severity and frequency of symptoms, while the Functional Status Scale measures the impact of these symptoms on daily activities. Each item on these scales is rated on a scale of 1 (no symptoms or difficulty) to 5 (most severe symptoms or difficulty). Higher scores on the Symptom Severity Scale and lower scores on the Functional Status Scale indicate worse hand function. An increase in the Symptom Severity Scale score or a decrease in the Functional Status Scale score over time would indicate a worsening of hand function.