Henna stained palms in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common diagnosed upper limb compressive neuropathy; though its diagnosis remains controversial. Some patients apply Henna (the extracts of the plant Lawsonia inermis) to their palms to relieve the symptoms. We don’t know how common is this practice and if it does help in clinical diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the diagnostic value of a new clinical sign; Henna sign (the application of Henna to the palms in patients with symptoms and signs of CTS in a trial to relieve their symptoms). The study group consists of 41 patients with 78 symptomatic hands. The diagnosis was based on a combination of history, clinical provocative tests and electrophysiological criteria, Compared to a control group of all patients who attended the clinic with typical signs and symptoms of CTS who had Nerve conduction study (NCS) to prove the diagnosis over 50 months period. Henna staining is not a common practice. Only 0.67% of patients who attended our clinic were diagnosed with typical symptoms of CTS and had nerve conduction study to prove the diagnosis that stained their hands with Henna. However the probability of having a positive NCS in Henna stained hands is higher than non stained hands.