A hiker develops carpal tunnel syndrome after repetitive use of trekking poles. Which mechanism explains why median nerve compression leads to numbness and pain in the hand?

💡 Explanation

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes impaired axonal transport of neurotrophins because compression disrupts the flow of essential proteins needed for nerve maintenance and function. Therefore, reduced neurotrophic support leads to nerve damage and sensory deficits, rather than changes in firing threshold, substance P release, or prostaglandin synthesis.

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