Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when there is excess pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. The result is numbness in the fingers, hand weakness and shooting pains in the wrist and forearm. Surgery is often needed to relieve the pressure on the nerve and is very helpful in alleviating symptoms. This is performed under local anesthetic and involves dividing the carpal tunnel ligament. If you suffer from these symptoms, a test known as an electromyogram (EMG) with nerve conduction studies will help determine whether carpal tunnel syndrome is the cause and will guide the treatment process.