The Difference between Giddiness and Vertigo
Giddiness and dizziness describe feeling imbalanced, lightheaded, unsteady, as if you are about to faint. It is important to distinguish between feeling dizzy from experiencing vertigo.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and How Can You Treat It?
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The image below shows the Carpal Tunnel, a narrow area at the base of the hand that covers the nerve that provides for sensation in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when this tunnel become irritated, inflamed or injured, causing it to squeeze or compress the nerve as it passes through the tunnel. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome causes symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers and hand, and over time, it can also affect grip strength and fine motor skills.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
It is well established that our sedentary and screen-time heavy lifestyles contribute to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, depression, and a host of other conditions. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) most commonly occurs when there are repetitive movements that rely on the fingers, hands, and wrists: precisely the sort associated with office and computer work. Up to 6% of the adult American population may suffer from CTS, having their quality of life reduced with symptoms such as sustained pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands. Women tend to be more likely to suffer from CTS than men. Fortunately, a Neurologist or Pain Management specialist can help to diagnose and treat these symptoms.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed and Treated?
CTS can be diagnosed with the assistance of nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography. Treatment can then include an appropriate prescription for medication, lifestyle changes, as well as local steroid injections. Steroids are medicines used to help reduce inflammation so pressure on the median nerve is relieved, reducing pain, tingling, and numbness. Injections are performed in the office and take less than a half hour. Another treatment is Botox injection for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The Botox medication works by blocking specific nerve signals in the injection area, minimizing signals that result in pain and muscle spasms.
If you believe you or a loved one exhibit the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, schedule your consultation with New York Neurology Associates today.
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