Tinel's sign

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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