Tinel's sign

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Tinel's sign
Synonyms	Tinel's test
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Neurology, Orthopedics
Symptoms	Tingling sensation in the distribution of a nerve
Complications	N/A
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Nerve compression or nerve regeneration
Risks	Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome
Diagnosis	Clinical examination
Differential diagnosis	Phalen's maneuver, Nerve conduction study
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Address underlying cause, surgery if necessary
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in conditions involving nerve compression
Deaths	N/A

Gray422

Tinel's sign is a clinical test used by physicians to detect irritated nerves. It is commonly used in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve compression syndromes.

History

Tinel's sign is named after the French neurologist Jules Tinel, who first described the phenomenon in 1915. Tinel's work was primarily focused on the regeneration of nerves following injury.

Procedure

To perform Tinel's sign, the examiner taps lightly over the course of a nerve. The test is considered positive if the patient reports a tingling sensation or "pins and needles" feeling in the distribution of the nerve. This sensation is indicative of nerve irritation or regeneration.

Clinical Significance

Tinel's sign is particularly useful in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. A positive Tinel's sign in this context would involve tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the radial half of the ring finger. The test can also be used to diagnose other conditions such as cubital tunnel syndrome, where the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow, and tarsal tunnel syndrome, involving the tibial nerve at the ankle.

Limitations

While Tinel's sign is a useful diagnostic tool, it is not definitive. A positive Tinel's sign should be corroborated with other diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG). Additionally, the test may not be positive in all cases of nerve compression.

Related Tests

• Phalen's maneuver
• Durkan's test
• Nerve conduction study
• Electromyography

See Also

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Nerve conduction study
• Electromyography

External Links

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