Carpal tunnel syndrome

Electromyogram (EMG) classification of severity

• Mild disease: sensory nerve abnormalities with no axonal loss

• Moderate disease: sensory and motor nerve abnormalities but with no axonal loss

• Severe disease: any evidence of axonal loss in sensory or motor nerves.

Symptom severity scale and functional status scale[36]Levine DW, Simmons BP, Koris MJ, et al. A self-administered questionnaire for the assessment of severity of symptoms and functional status in carpal tunnel syndrome. J J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1993 Nov;75(11):1585-92. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8245050?tool=bestpractice.com

Eleven-item symptom and 8-item functional scale (5 grades) that can be used to assess and monitor severity of CTS, particularly if EMG is not available.