Symptom spread and pain sensitivity in carpal tunnel syndrome
Evaluation of Central Sensitization Parameters Based on Extra Median Symptom Distribution in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study
This test looks at whether people with carpal tunnel syndrome whose symptoms spread beyond the usual finger area have higher central pain sensitivity, using a questionnaire and pressure pain testing.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Usküdar) |
| Trial ID | NCT07114913 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, but some patients report symptoms that extend beyond the median nerve territory. This observational study compares patients with typical median-only symptoms to those with extra-median symptom distribution. Researchers will confirm diagnosis with nerve conduction studies and ultrasound, and then measure central sensitization with the Central Sensitization Inventory and pressure pain thresholds. The hypothesis is that extra-median symptom patients will show higher CSI scores and lower pressure pain thresholds, which could indicate greater central nervous system involvement and inform more personalized treatment approaches.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are literate adults aged 18–65 with clinically and electrodiagnostically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome who consent to participate and have not had recent CTS injection or surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, systemic inflammatory disease, other neuropathies or radiculopathy, recent CTS injection or surgery, active infection or malignancy, or those outside the 18–65 age range are unlikely to benefit from enrollment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help identify patients who might benefit from treatments targeted at central pain mechanisms rather than only peripheral nerve decompression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested a link between extra-median symptom spread and central sensitization, but evidence is limited and findings remain preliminary.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Having been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome based on clinical and electrodiagnostic findings * Being between 18 and 65 years of age * Being literate * Agreeing to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Having a history of concomitant diabetes, systemic inflammatory disease, active infection, or malignancy * Being \<18 and \>65 years of age * Being illiterate * Refusing to participate in the study * Having a disease associated with neuropathic pain, such as polyneuropathy, radiculopathy, or multiple sclerosis * History of injection or surgery for CTS within the last 6 months
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Usküdar
- Sultan Abdülhamid Han Training and Research Hospital — Istanbul, Usküdar, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Feyza Nur Yücel, Specialist
- Email: dr.fny28@gamil.com
- Phone: (0216) 542 20 00
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.