Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers and hand due to pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve passes down the forearm to the hand, where it controls muscles at the base of the thumb and sensation in the thumb half of the palm. En route to the hand, the nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, a space between the wrist bones and the ligament that lies over them; in addition to the nerve, tendons pass through the space.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve is compressed, which may be due to swelling of the tendons or a build-up of fluid in the carpal tunnel as a result of overuse, arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid problems.
It can also occur with hormonal changes during pregnancy or around menopause. The pressure on the nerve results in numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of grip in the thumb, first two fingers, and half of the ring (third) finger. Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually treated with rest, splinting, or medication. Sometimes, surgery is needed.

Othere related diseases

CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME
In this condition, nerves at the base of the spinal cord—the cauda equina, a spray of nerves resembling a horse’s tail— become compressed, causing symptom...

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Also sometime known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme fatigue over a prolonged period. The cause is...

CLUSTER HEADACHES
Cluster headaches are excruciating attacks of pain around one eye or temple, due to widening of blood vessels in the brain.
Attacks begin suddenly, affect...

DEMENTIA
Alzheimer’s disease Dementia is a condition in which there is gradual, progressive deterioration in mental function. It most commonly affects older people and...

ENCEPHALITIS
This inflammation of the brain is usually due to infection with a virus, but occasionally it occurs as a result of an immune system problem.
It may be due...

EPILEPSY
Epilepsy is typified by recurrent seizures (fits) as a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In many people, the underlying cause is unknown. In ...

EXTRADURAL HEMATOMA
This is a collection of clotted blood (hematoma) between the skull and outer surface of one of the three membranes covering the brain. It is most commonly ...

HEAD INJURY
Many bumps and bruises to the head are minor, but a severe injury carries the risk of brain damage and may even be fatal. A blow to the head may shake or bruise...