Neurons are specialized nerve cells that transmit signals from one end to another. Nerves in the brain and spinal cord communicate with neurons throughout the body. Neurons have the ability to pass signals and messages from one part of the body to another through electrical and chemical signals. Neurons get together to form larger nerves of our body and carry signals between various parts of the body.  The Brain through voluntary and involuntary signals are sent throughout the body via the nerves of the spinal cord and body. It receives messages from all the other parts of the body via neurons that run through the spinal nerves and then up the spinal cord and ending in the brain.

A nerve is similar to an electrical wire transmitting signals from one end to another. The "human wire" has many functions including controlling movement (motor nerves), sensation (sensory) and blood pressure and circulation regulation (autonomic system). A part or all three functions of the nerve may become affected in different ways. Nerves with trauma can be severed, however, this is not a common form of nerve injury. Nerves can be compressed, stretched or irritated with inflammation. Nerves are covered by a special insulation which also can be affected in certain conditions. If a small amount of damage (injury) is done to the wire, we may not notice a change in the signal transmission (symptoms). But if a small amount of additional damage is done at another area further down the wire, the signal may then be affected by the cumulative effects of both injuries. This, in turn, causes noticeable transmission problems (symptoms) at the original site. And since the second area of damage was too small to create symptoms on its own, it may go undetected unless the entire wire is examined. This is often the case with CTS.