Could it be carpal tunnel —
and how bad is it?
Two parts, each doing only what the evidence supports. First, a two-question screen — the two history questions from the CTS-6 diagnostic criteria, shown in a 2025 study to identify carpal tunnel without any examination. Then the six-question symptom score recorded at this practice's appointments, so your at-home result is directly comparable with your clinic scores. Everything is calculated instantly and never leaves your browser. Prefer the full 19-question Boston questionnaire with the hand-function scale? It's here.
Two questions
Your answers fit the carpal tunnel pattern. In the published study, answering yes to both of these questions identified carpal tunnel syndrome — as judged by a hand surgeon's full assessment — with 78% sensitivity and 88% specificity. That makes an assessment worthwhile; it does not mean you definitely have carpal tunnel. Continue below to score how severe your symptoms are, and take both results to your GP.
Your answers make carpal tunnel less likely — in the published study a negative screen had an 85% negative predictive value — but it does not exclude it, and other conditions can cause hand symptoms. If your symptoms persist or interfere with sleep or work, see your GP regardless. You can still score your symptoms below and track them over time.
0 of 6 symptom questions answered
The symptom score runs from 1 (no symptoms) to 5 (very severe), and the band simply reads your average answer back against the scale's own steps — none, mild, moderate, severe, very severe. It measures severity — it is not a diagnosis, and there is no cut-off that means treatment is needed. It is most useful repeated over time: before and after night splints, a steroid injection or carpal tunnel release. Because this is the same score the practice records at appointments, you can compare your at-home results directly with your clinic scores.
One honest caveat: even formal testing does not settle every case — clinical assessment and nerve studies disagree in around a fifth of milder presentations. No questionnaire replaces an examination; the right first step is your GP, who can examine you, arrange nerve testing where needed, and refer on if specialist review is warranted. Bring both results with you.
This page is an educational self-assessment, not a diagnosis, and does not replace a clinical assessment — other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Nothing you enter is transmitted or stored — everything is calculated on your device. Screen questions: the two history components of the CTS-6, as administered without an examiner in Smith BH, Koshinski JL, Ozdag Y, et al. The CTS-2T: an assessment of a modified, telephone-based version of the CTS-6 in the evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Am 2025;50(7):797–804. Symptom score: the 6-item CTS symptoms scale — Atroshi I, Lyrén PE, Gummesson C. Qual Life Res 2009;18(3):347–358.
