Chang C.-W.YI-CHIAN WANGChang K.-F.2020-04-072020-04-0720081753-1934https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-42549091523&doi=10.1177%2f1753193408087119&partnerID=40&md5=105ece7aa22ab96f48e802ea77fe2a6chttps://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/483204In the present study, we illustrate the use of an electrophysiological classification as a guide to the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A total of 113 CTS patients were assessed with symptom severity scores, hand functional scores and electrophysiological studies. By setting criteria of electrophysiological tests, 179 hands in 113 patients were classified into mild, moderate and severe degrees of CTS. Of these, the 41 hands with severe CTS were referred for surgery. The 58 hands with moderate CTS and 80 hands with mild CTS received conservative treatment. The improvement ratios in the severe group were greater than that in the moderate and mild groups, both at 6 months and at 1 year. Eighteen hands with moderate or mild CTS returned to normal electrophysiology with the conservative treatments. No patient recovered to normal electrophysiology in the severe group. This electrophysiological classification is objective and it may serve as a useful guide for non-surgical and surgical treatment of CTS. ? 2008 Sage Publications.[SDGs]SDG3diuretic agent; nonsteroid antiinflammatory agent; adult; aged; article; body posture; carpal tunnel syndrome; conservative treatment; controlled study; convalescence; disease classification; disease severity; electromyography; female; hand function; human; low level laser therapy; major clinical study; male; medical assessment; muscle action potential; nerve conduction; nerve decompression; nervous system electrophysiology; patient education; patient referral; scoring system; splinting; symptom; Taiwan; teaching hospital; treatment outcome; ultrasound therapy; Adult; Aged; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Electrophysiology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neural Conduction; Treatment Outcomejournal article10.1177/1753193408087119183320172-s2.0-42549091523