Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Athetoid-Dystonic Cerebral Palsy

We have observed several cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in persons with athetotic-dystonic movement disorders. Since this association between CTS and athetotic-dystonic cerebral palsy is not mentioned in extensive clinical reports1-14we wish to present these cases and discuss their physiopathology. PATIENTS AND METHODS A patient with an athetotic-dystonic movement disorder complained of pain in the hand in the median nerve distribution. This incident prompted a search for persons with similar movement disorders to assess the presence of entrapment neuropathy. Neurophysiologic studies consisting of sensory and motor nerve conduction time (NCT) in median, radial, and ulnar nerves were performed in 16 patients. Diseases that are known predecessors as well as local causes of CTS10were ruled out by clinical examinations or roentgenograms, or at the time of operation. Generalized peripheral neuropathy was ruled out by multiple nerve examinations. The basis for the diagnosis of CTS included the