Carpal tunnel biopsy: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency care for bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure, rapidly increasing swelling with severe pain, or fingers that become cold, pale, or blue.

   Call emergency services for trouble breathing, fainting, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever, an opening wound, or pain and swelling that worsen rather than settle.

   New or increasing numbness, weakness, or difficulty moving the fingers also needs timely assessment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Mild incision soreness, limited bruising, and gradual improvement can usually be discussed at routine follow-up.

   Use the contact instructions provided by the treating facility if you are uncertain.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Carpal tunnel biopsy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.