Clinical and Electrophysiological Profile of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in a Tertiary University Hospital in Senegal: A Descriptive and Analytical Study

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy worldwide. Its epidemiological and electrophysiological characteristics vary according to population and healthcare access. Objective: To describe the clinical, epidemiological, and electrophysiological profile of patients diagnosed with CTS in a tertiary university hospital in Senegal. Methods: A descriptive and analytical study was conducted from January to December 2024 at the Electrophysiology Unit of Dalal Jamm University Hospital. All patients referred for suspected CTS were included. Demographic, clinical, and nerve conduction study data were analyzed using SPSS. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and qualitative variables as frequencies and percentages. Results: Among 507 patients examined, 31 were diagnosed with CTS, yielding a hospital frequency of 6.1%. The mean age was 52.06 ± 14.25 years (range 25–76). Females predominated (71%), with a female-to-male ratio of 2.4:1. Paresthesia was the most common presenting symptom. Electrophysiological severity was distributed as follows: mild (48%), moderate (16%), severe (29%), and very severe (6%). Mixed sensorimotor involvement was the predominant electrophysiological pattern. Conclusion: CTS represented a significant proportion of electrophysiological consultations. The predominance of women and mild forms aligns with international data. However, the substantial proportion of severe and mixed forms suggests delayed consultation. Early diagnosis remains essential to prevent irreversible functional impairment.