What is Tinel's sign?

Tinel's sign is that when your doctor lightly taps your skin over a nerve, you have a tingling or "pins and needles" sensation. Tinel's sign might indicate that you are experiencing nerve compression or damage at the site where they are tapping.

What does Tinel's sign test?

A test for Tinel's sign is how your doctor will determine if you are experiencing some symptoms of nerve damage or irritation at a particular site.

Is there another name for Tinel's sign?

Your healthcare provider may call this sign Tinel's or Hoffmann-Tinel's. The names come from the first describers, physiologist Paul Hoffmann and neurologist Jules Tinel, in 1915.

When do healthcare providers use Tinel's sign?

Your healthcare provider may check for Tinel's sign if they suspect you have nerve damage or irritation at a specific location.

When could Tinel's sign be helpful?

Some conditions for which your healthcare provider might check for Tinel's sign include the following:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which pressure on the median nerve at the wrist causes symptoms in the hand and fingers.
• Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition in which damage to the ulnar nerve, sometimes called the funny bone, in the elbow leads to symptoms in the hand and fingers.
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it winds its way within the ankle. This may lead to pain, tingling, or numbness in the foot.

What are the signs of nerve compression or damage?

If you experience nerve compression or damage, you may feel:

Who performs a Tinel's sign test?

Any healthcare provider searching for evidence of nerve compression can test for Tinel's sign.

How do I get ready for a Tinel's sign test?

Preparation for a tinel's sign test

You don't have to prepare for a Tinel's sign test in any particular way.

What happens before a Tinel's sign test?

Your doctor will take a detailed history of your symptoms, including questions about whether you have numbness, weakness, or tingling. Tinel's sign may then be tested during the physical exam.

What happens during a Tinel's sign test?

A Tinel's sign test is very rapid. Your doctor will lightly tap your skin above the nerve, then ask you to describe what you are feeling as they do it.

What do the results of a Tinel’s sign test show?

If your tests are positive, then you should feel a tingling when your healthcare provider taps on you.This may represent nerve damage or irritation in that location. You won't feel tingling if the test is negative. Even though Tinel's sign may be of value to your healthcare provider, a negative test does not rule out the presence of nerve compression.

What is the risk for a Tinel's sign test?

Depending on the outcome of the Tinel's sign test and the rest of your history and examination, your doctor may also refer you for further testing. This may include:

• Electromyography.
• MRI.
• X-ray.

What are the potential complications of a Tinel's sign test?

There are no complications of a Tinel's sign test.

How long will it take to get results from my Tinel's sign test?

Tinel's sign test results are immediate. When the test is done, you will know right away if you have a tingling feeling. Your doctor will then also give you recommendations on any further management or treatment that you may need.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

You should visit your healthcare provider if you feel damaged or irritated nerve symptoms. These may include, but are not limited to, burning, numbness, or weakness.

Where do I tap for a Tinel's test?

The best course of action is to allow a healthcare provider to administer a Tinel's sign test to diagnose it properly.

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