Life quality of patients with the carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Introduction. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a neuropathy caused by pressure on the median nerve taking a course in the carpal tunnel. The characteristic symptoms of CTS are: pain, numbness, and a prickling sensation in the hand usually at night or after the physical effort. Symptoms of the disease affect patient quality of life which is desribed as a subjective estimation of life situation. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of patient life in those who suffer from carpal tunel syndrome. The studies were aimed to descripe the general quality of patient life and the effect of symptoms on individual aspects in the life of the afflicted. Materials and methods. The study sample was composed of 60 patients from rehabilitation and physiotherapy institutions located in the Lublin Voivodship (Poland). The studies were based on the questionnaries of life quality estimation dependent on health WHOQOL- BREF and EQ-5D-5L as well as on our own poll questionnaire. Conclusions. Symptoms of carpal tunel syndrome deteriorate the quality of patient life. Such patients have difficulties with daily activities. Among those examined, as many as 94.12% reported problems performing everyday actions (EQ – 5D – 5L). Difficulties with chores were reported by 86.70% of those examined. The patients with carpal tunel syndrome are less effective at work. Reduced achievements at work were reported by 73.30% of those examined, and a need for a shorter work day was reported by 60%. For 53.30%, difficulties in doing their jobs were significant; 20% of the examined had to change their profession or work station. The examined patients often experienced pain which deteriorated quality of sleep and disturbed everyday functioning. The patients were presented with serious difficulties in doing professional work.