Nocturnal pins and needles and other sensory disturbances in the median nerve 
innervated fingers are caused by local pressure on this nerve in the carpal 
tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most frequently encountered peripheral 
nerve entrapment. In The Netherlands, the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome 
is estimated 9% among adult women and 0.6% among adult men. Several risk factors 
have been identified. For dental professionals, the most relevant seem forceful 
use of the hand during scaling and extractions, use of vibrating ultrasonic 
equipment and frequent working with the wrist in flexion or in extension. The 
diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is based on the characteristic complaints, 
confirmed preferably by abnormal electrophysiological tests. Depending on the 
degree of impact on daily functioning, treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome may 
be expectative, conservative or surgical. Adjustment of the working conditions 
may prevent the development of a carpal tunnel syndrome.