Which symptom is most strongly correlated with carpal tunnel syndrome?

• A. Weakness in grip strength
• B. Shaking hands for symptom relief
• C. Loss of fine motor skills
• D. Burning sensation in the wrist

Answer: (B)

The symptom most strongly correlated with carpal tunnel syndrome is the act of shaking hands for symptom relief. This behavior is commonly reported by individuals experiencing this condition, as they often find temporary relief from discomfort when shaking or moving their hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. The act of shaking the hands can help momentarily alleviate these sensations, making it a notable characteristic of the syndrome.

While weakness in grip strength, loss of fine motor skills, and burning sensations in the wrist are also symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, they may not be as specifically indicative of the condition as the need to shake hands for relief. Weakness in grip strength can arise from a variety of conditions affecting the wrist or hand, and while fine motor skill loss can be a consequence of nerve compression, it is not as pronounced or universally experienced as the relief sought by shaking hands. The burning sensation in the wrist might indicate nerve irritation but does not hallmark the syndrome in the same way as the characteristic behavior of seeking relief through hand movement.