N-acetylcysteine Plus Night Splinting for Mild to Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial

What this Trial Is About

Carpal tunnel syndrome CTS is a common nerve compression condition that causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand, affecting many people worldwide. This trial evaluates whether adding oral N-acetylcysteine NAC, a safe antioxidant supplement, to a standard 8-week night splinting treatment can improve symptoms and hand function in people with mild to moderate CTS. The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing NAC plus splinting to placebo plus splinting. Participants will take either a 500 mg oral NAC tablet or a matching placebo daily while wearing a wrist splint at night for 8 consecutive weeks. Both groups will follow the same splinting and tablet regimen. The study includes an initial treatment period followed by assessments at 8 weeks and a further follow-up at 6 months for those who do not choose surgery after the initial treatment. During the study, participants will complete the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire BCTQ before treatment, at 8 weeks, and again at 6 months if surgery is deferred. Researchers will monitor symptom severity, hand function, and whether participants decide to undergo carpal tunnel release surgery. Safety, adherence, and side effects will be tracked throughout. The total participation may last up to 6 months including follow-up evaluations.

The ACTS Trial: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Night-splinting as a Non-operative Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome