Symptom Distribution and Pain Sensitization in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

NCT07114913 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 25/603
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 80
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to compare central sensitization parameters between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients with extra median symptom distribution and those with typical, median nerve-related symptoms. Extra median sensory spread, observed in some CTS patients beyond the anatomical boundaries of the median nerve, may reflect central sensitization mechanisms. Using the Central Sensitization Inventory and pressure pain threshold measurements, this study will assess whether extra median symptom patterns are associated with increased central sensitization.

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Central Sensitisation; Pain, Radiating

Keywords

carpal tunnel syndrome; central sensitization; central sensitization inventory; pressure pain threshold

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Pressure pain threshold

  Pain pressure threshold (PPT) is used to measure deep muscular tissue sensitivity. Algometer is used in the measurement and low values are interpreted in favor of increased sensitivity.

  3 months

• Katz hand diagram

  The Katz Hand Diagram is a self-reported symptom map used to support the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Patients are asked to mark areas on a standardized hand diagram where they experience pain, numbness, or tingling. This tool helps clinicians assess whether symptoms follow a median nerve distribution and is commonly used in both clinical and research settings due to its simplicity and diagnostic value.

  3 months

Secondary Outcomes (12)

• Central sensitization inventory (CSI)

  3 months

• Visual analog scale

  3 months

• hand grip strength

  3 months

• Median nerve conduction studies-latency measurement

  3 months

• Median nerve motor conduction studies-amplitude measurement

  3 months

Study Arms (1)

Patients

Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagnostic Test: Nerve ultrasound; Diagnostic Test: Nerve conduction studies; Diagnostic Test: Pressure pain threshold

Interventions

Nerve ultrasound DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel and adjacent levels

Patients

Nerve conduction studies DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Upper extremity nerve conduction studies including median-ulnar sensory and motor responses

Patients

Pressure pain threshold DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Pain pressure threshold is used to measure deep muscular tissue pain sensitivity.

Patients

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients with CTS

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey: lead

Study Sites (1)

Sultan Abdülhamid Han Training and Research Hospital

Istanbul, Usküdar, 34100, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Related Publications (6)

• Aboonq MS. Pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2015 Jan;20(1):4-9.

  PMID: 25630774 BACKGROUND

• Zanette G, Cacciatori C, Tamburin S. Central sensitization in carpal tunnel syndrome with extraterritorial spread of sensory symptoms. Pain. 2010 Feb;148(2):227-236. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2009.10.025. Epub 2009 Dec 8.

  PMID: 20004060 BACKGROUND

• Sobeeh MG, Ghozy S, Elshazli RM, Landry M. Pain mechanisms in carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative sensory testing outcomes. Pain. 2022 Oct 1;163(10):e1054-e1094. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002566. Epub 2021 Dec 15.

  PMID: 35050958 BACKGROUND

• Woolf CJ. Central sensitization: implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain. 2011 Mar;152(3 Suppl):S2-S15. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2010.09.030. Epub 2010 Oct 18.

  PMID: 20961685 BACKGROUND

• Fernandez-de-las-Penas C, de la Llave-Rincon AI, Fernandez-Carnero J, Cuadrado ML, Arendt-Nielsen L, Pareja JA. Bilateral widespread mechanical pain sensitivity in carpal tunnel syndrome: evidence of central processing in unilateral neuropathy. Brain. 2009 Jun;132(Pt 6):1472-9. doi: 10.1093/brain/awp050. Epub 2009 Mar 31.

  PMID: 19336461 BACKGROUND

• Feng B, Gong C, You L, Lin Y, Wang Y, Ip WY, Wang Y. Central Sensitization in Patients with Chronic Pain Secondary to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Determinants. J Pain Res. 2023 Dec 19;16:4353-4366. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S441786. eCollection 2023.

  PMID: 38145037 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Pain

Interventions

Nerve Conduction Studies

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Median Neuropathy; Mononeuropathies; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Nerve Compression Syndromes; Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Sprains and Strains; Wounds and Injuries; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Diagnosis; Electrodiagnosis

Study Officials

• Emre Ata

  Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

  STUDY CHAIR

Central Study Contacts

Feyza Nur Yücel, Specialist

CONTACT

(0216) 542 20 00; dr.fny28@gamil.com

Emre Ata, Assoc. Prof

CONTACT

(0216) 542 20 00

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE ONLY
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 28, 2025
• First Posted: August 11, 2025
• Study Start: June 21, 2025
• Primary Completion: January 1, 2026
• Study Completion: March 1, 2026
• Last Updated: August 11, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)