A 35-year-old woman at 32 weeks of gestation presents to the GP with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms - tingling and numbness in the thumb, i...

Question

A 35-year-old woman at 32 weeks of gestation presents to the GP with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms - tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, worse at night. She has no weakness. Which is the single most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Reassure that carpal tunnel syndrome is common in pregnancy (due to oedema), advise wrist splints at night, and explain it usually resolves after delivery

Answer

Refer for urgent nerve conduction studies

Answer

Prescribe amitriptyline 10 mg at night for neuropathic pain

Answer

Refer for carpal tunnel decompression surgery

Answer

Prescribe oral prednisolone 40 mg daily for 5 days

uk-drcog MCQ (SBA): Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy

A 35-year-old woman at 32 weeks of gestation presents to the GP with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms - tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, worse at night. She has no weakness. Which is the single most appropriate management?