What is a common symptom that may indicate a positive result in the Carpal Compression Test?

A positive result in the Carpal Compression Test is typically indicated by numbness or tingling in the distribution of the median nerve, which corresponds to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. This test is specifically designed to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition where the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist.

When pressure is applied to the wrist during the test, the resulting symptoms can help identify whether the median nerve is being affected. Numbness in the thumb specifically suggests that the median nerve is indeed involved, reflecting the characteristic symptoms that patients with carpal tunnel syndrome often experience.

Other symptoms, like pain around the wrist or weakness in grip strength, can also be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome but are less specific as indicators in this particular test. Swelling in the palm may occur for various reasons and is not definitive for compression of the median nerve. Therefore, numbness in the thumb is the most direct symptom that aligns with a positive outcome on the Carpal Compression Test.