It's a little uncomfortable when your arm or leg goes numb, or when you feel like ants are running around. Sometimes this just happens and goes away. But if this numbness persists, it can be a sign of a problem with one of the nerves in our body. In such cases, a simple test that a doctor uses is called the 'Tinel's Sign', which we are talking about today.
What is Tinel's Sign?
Simply put, Tinel's sign is when your doctor gently taps on the skin where a nerve runs, you feel a tingling or prickling sensation along that nerve. If you feel a slight tingling sensation, like a small electric shock, it means that the nerve is under pressure or may have been damaged.
It is also called the Hoffmann-Tinel sign, after the doctors who first described this test, Paul Hoffmann and Jules Tinel. But when we talk about it in general, we simply call it the 'Tinel sign'.
Under what circumstances does a doctor perform this test?
If your doctor suspects that a nerve somewhere in your body has been pinched or damaged, they may perform this simple test. There are a few situations where this is especially important.
| Medical condition | Simply put, what happens? |
|---|---|
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | When the median nerve, a major nerve that runs to our hands and fingers, is compressed at the wrist, it often causes numbness in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. |
| Cubital Tunnel Syndrome | When our elbow hits something, a current travels down our arm, compressing the ulnar nerve. This can cause numbness in the little finger and ring finger. |
| Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome | A nerve that runs down our shin (posterior tibial nerve) is compressed as it passes through the inside of our ankle. This can cause numbness, burning, or pain in the sole of our foot. |
What other symptoms can occur when a nerve is pinched?
In addition to Tinel's sign, if a nerve is compressed, you may also experience symptoms such as:
- Burning: A burning sensation, as if you are holding a live coal.
- Numbness: A feeling of loss of sensation in an area, or a feeling like ants are running around.
- Pain: The pain may feel sharp, stabbing, or dull.
- Weakness: In the hand, it may feel like you're dropping a cup or holding a pen. In the leg, it may feel like you're tripping when you walk.
How is Tinel's Test performed?
This is a very simple test that takes less than a minute. You don't need any preparation for this.
Step 1: The doctor will ask you for details.
First, the doctor will listen carefully to you and learn about your discomfort. For example, you may ask questions like, "When do you feel the numbness the most?", "What kinds of things do you do that make it worse?", "Do you feel weakness in your hand?"
Step 2: How to do the test
Then, the doctor will gently tap the skin with his fingertips where he thinks the nerve is pinched. Sometimes, he may use a small hammer-like device (reflex hammer) for this. For example, if you suspect carpal tunnel syndrome, he will tap your wrist.
Step 3: Say what you feel.
When the doctor taps you, you should tell him whether you feel a tingling sensation, an electric shock, or a tingling sensation along that nerve. The answer you give is the result of this test.
What do the test results say?
- Positive Test: If you feel numbness when the doctor taps you, it's a positive result. It means that the nerve may be under pressure or damaged.
- Negative Test: If you do not feel any numbness, it is a negative result.
But keep this in mind, just because this test is 'negative' doesn't mean you don't have a nerve impingement. Sometimes, even if you have a nerve impingement, you may not show this sign. Therefore, this is just to help the doctor get an idea of your condition.
Based on the results of this test and your symptoms, your doctor may recommend additional tests if necessary. For example:
- Electromyography (EMG): A test that measures the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
- MRI scan: Get a clear image of soft tissues like nerves and muscles.
- X-ray: To see if a problem with the bones is causing the nerve to be compressed.
Are there any risks with this test?
Not at all. This is a very safe test. It's like a doctor putting a stethoscope to your chest, and it's a simple test that doesn't involve any risks or pain. So there's no need to be afraid of this.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have persistent tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness in an arm, leg, or other part of your body, don't just assume, "This is just a symptom." It could be a pinched nerve. Getting treatment early can help prevent long-term nerve damage. So, be sure to see your doctor for advice.
Never attempt to diagnose yourself by performing such tests. Always see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Tinel's Sign is a very simple, painless test to check for nerve compression.
- If the doctor feels numbness when he taps on a nerve, it indicates a problem with the nerve.
- It is most commonly used to diagnose nerve problems related to the carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and tarsal tunnel.
- Even if the test doesn't show any numbness, it doesn't mean you don't have a nerve problem 100%. That's up to your doctor to decide.
- If you have symptoms such as persistent numbness, burning, pain, or weakness, don't ignore it and definitely see a doctor.
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