Abstract
Objectives: To investigate whether tingling/numbness of the hands and fingers among computer users is associated with elevated vibration threshold as a sign of early nerve compression. Methods: Within the Danish NUDATA study, vibratory sensory testing with monitoring of the digital vibration threshold at seven frequencies on the second and fifth fingers of both hands was performed on 20 cases with unilateral tingling/numbness in the hands and fingers, and 20 gender- and age-matched controls. Both cases and controls were identified from questionnaire information about tingling/numbness at least once a week or daily within the last 3 months. Participants with more than slight muscular pain or disorders of the neck and upper extremities, excessive alcohol consumption, previous injuries of the upper extremities, or concurrent medical diseases were excluded. The two groups had a similar amount of work with mouse, keyboard, and computer. Results: Seven of the 20 cases (35%) had elevated vibration thresholds, compared with 3 of the 20 controls (15%); this difference was not statistically significant (χ2=2.13, P=0.14). Compared with controls, cases had increased perception threshold for all frequencies, but the difference was statistically significant for only 2 out of 14 measurements. Comparison between left and right hand threshold values within the case group did not show any significant difference at any frequency. Conclusions: The results indicate that tingling/numbness of the hands and fingers among computer users cannot be explained by nerve compression.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Andersen JH, Thomsen JF, Overgaard E, Lassen CF, Brandt LP, Vilstrup I, Kryger AI, Mikkelsen S (2003) Computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome: a 1-year follow-up study. JAMA 289(22):2963–2969
Checkosky CM, Bolanowski SJ, Cohen JC (1996) Assessment of vibrotactile sensitivity in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. J Occup Environ Med 38(6):593–601
Ellemann K, Nielsen KD, Poulsgaard L, Smith T (1999) Vibrotactilometry as a diagnostic tool in ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg 33(1):93–97
Faucett J, Rempel D (1994) VDT-related musculoskeletal symptoms: interactions between work posture and psychosocial work factors. Am J Ind Med 26(5):597–612
Greening J, Lynn B (1998) Vibration sense in the upper limb in patients with repetitive strain injury and a group of at-risk office workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 71(1):29–34
Grunert BK, Wertsch JJ, Matloub HS, McCallum-Burke S (1990) Reliability of sensory threshold measurement using a digital vibrogram. J Occup Med 32(2):100–102
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (2001) Mechanical vibration—vibrotactile perception thresholds for the assesment of nerve dysfunction—part 1: methods of measurement at the fingertips. ISO 13091-1
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (2003) Mechanical vibration—vibrotactile perception thresholds for the assesment of nerve dysfunction—part 2: analysis and interpretation of measurements at the fingertips. ISO 13091-2
Jensen BR, Pilegaard M, Momsen A (2002) Vibrotactile sense and mechanical functional state of the arm and hand among computer users compared with a control group. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 75(5):332–340
Jetzer TC (1991) Use of vibration testing in the early evaluation of workers with carpal tunnel syndrome. J Occup Med 33(2):117–120
Karlqvist LK, Hagberg M, Koster M, Wenemark M, nell R (1996) Musculoskeletal symptoms among computer-assisted design (CAD) operators and evaluation of a self-assessment questionnaire. Int J Occup Environ Health 2(3):185–194
Kimura J (1989) Electrondiagnosis in diseases of nerve and muscle: principles and practice. FA Davis, Philadelphia
Lundborg G, Lie-Stenstrom AK, Sollerman C, Stromberg T, Pyykko I (1986) Digital vibrogram: a new diagnostic tool for sensory testing in compression neuropathy. J Hand Surg [Am] 11(5):693–699
Lundström R, Strömberg T, Lundborg G (1990) Taktilometri for diagnostik av sensoriska neuropatier. Arbete och Hälsa 24:1–26
Murata K, Araki S, Okajima F, Saito Y (1996) Subclinical impairment in the median nerve across the carpal tunnel among female VDT operators. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 68(2):75–79
Rempel DM, Diao E (2004) Entrapment neuropathies: pathophysiology and pathogenesis. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 14(1):71–75
Rossignol AM, Morse EP, Summers VM, Pagnotto LD (1987) Video display terminal use and reported health symptoms among Massachusetts clerical workers. J Occup Med 29(2):112–118
Stevens JC, Witt JC, Smith BE, Weaver AL (2001) The frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users at a medical facility. Neurology 56(11):1568–1570
Szabo RM, Gelberman RH, Williamson RV, Dellon AL, Yaru NC, Dimick MP (1984) Vibratory sensory testing in acute peripheral nerve compression. J Hand Surg [Am] 9A(1):104–109
Thomsen JF, Hansson GA, Mikkelsen S, Lauritzen M (2002) Carpal tunnel syndrome in repetitive work: a follow-up study. Am J Ind Med 42(4):344–353
Thomsen JF, Mikkelsen S (2003) Interview data versus questionnaire data in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome in epidemiological studies. Occup Med (Lond) 53(1):57–63
Werner RA, Franzblau A, Johnston E (1994) Quantitative vibrometry and electrophysiological assessment in screening for carpal tunnel syndrome among industrial workers: a comparison. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 75(11):1228–1232
Acknowledgments
We thank the Danish Association of Professional Technicians for useful assistance, and we thank the study participants for their time and effort. We are also grateful to Imogen Vilstrup for helpful assistance.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Overgaard, E., Brandt, L.P.A., Ellemann, K. et al. Tingling/numbness in the hands of computer users: neurophysiological findings from the NUDATA study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 77, 521–525 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-004-0545-y
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-004-0545-y