What is the primary nerve involved in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is primarily associated with the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This condition often manifests with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, particularly affecting the thumb, index, and middle fingers, along with part of the ring finger. The median nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles at the base of the thumb and providing sensation to these fingers, which is why compression can lead to significant functional issues in the hand.

The other nerves listed—such as the ulnar nerve, which primarily affects the little finger and half of the ring finger; the radial nerve, which mainly influences the back of the arm and hand; and the musculocutaneous nerve, which predominantly innervates muscles in the upper arm—are not involved in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Recognizing the specific role of the median nerve clarifies why it is key to this condition, as it is the primary nerve affected when discussing carpal tunnel pathologies.