What is a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome primarily involves the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist, leading to a variety of symptoms primarily localized in that area. Inflammation and pain in the wrist are hallmark symptoms of this condition, as the compression results in discomfort, tingling, or even numbness that often radiates into the fingers. Individuals affected may experience difficulty with fine motor skills, particularly when grasping or holding objects, due to the nerve's role in transmitting sensations and motor functions to parts of the hand.

The other choices describe symptoms associated with different conditions or issues. Loss of balance, dizziness, and shoulder pain are not typical manifestations of carpal tunnel syndrome, which specifically impacts the wrist and hand function rather than balance, disturbances in spatial orientation, or shoulder-related problems. Each of these unrelated symptoms highlights why inflammation and pain in the wrist specifically point to carpal tunnel syndrome as the correct answer.