Diagnosis with arm asleep

In order to make an adequate diagnosis, the doctor must conduct an appropriate interview with the patient. In some cases a (additional) interview with a relative is necessary. The doctor will look at the arm and the overall picture of the body.

Sensitivity, mobility, coordination and reflexes are tested. Depending on the suspected diagnosis, various examinations are carried out. These may include various blood tests and imaging procedures. Which diagnostic procedures still exist? You can find detailed information on this under: Diagnostics

Associated symptoms

The accompanying complaints can often give important clues as to the causes of the “falling asleep” poor. If deficiency symptoms are the reason for the sensitivity disorders, accompanying fatigue, exhaustion, susceptibility to infections, movement and coordination disorders and even paralysis can occur. If the cause of the arms “falling asleep” is a cervical spine problem and/or a herniated disc in the corresponding area, neck, back and headaches may also occur.

In a very acute condition, a vegetative derailment can occur. This can lead to outbreaks of sweating, nausea, vomiting and dizziness up to a circulatory collapse with unconsciousness. If the cause of multiple sclerosis is present, unspecific accompanying symptoms such as tiredness, a general feeling of illness, exhaustion and weight loss can develop in the preliminary stage.

In addition, disturbances of coordination and targeted grasping can also occur. Intention tremor can sometimes become visible in the hand or arm. This means that the hand and arm tremble (increasingly) when grasping an object in a targeted manner.

In addition, coordination and movement disorders of the trunk and legs can become apparent. In addition, multiple sclerosis can cause eye tremors and blurred or choppy articulation. In addition, the arm and other parts of the body can be painful.

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Depending on the cause, the arm itself or other parts of the body may hurt at rest or when touched or under stress. However, reduced sensitivity can also lead to reduced pain and thus to the loss of an important protective function. For example, in the context of diabetes mellitus it is possible that reduced pain is perceived.

The causes of a “falling asleep” arm in connection with shoulder pain can be polymorphic. The pain can be caused by local changes in the shoulder. These may involve muscles, nerves, bones or bursae, which are located there.

Pain may accordingly be caused by external or internal injury to the structures mentioned. However, it is also possible that the “actual” cause is “hidden” within a disorder, asymmetry or restriction of another part of the body. Compensatory mechanisms, compensatory movements and compensatory tensions can therefore result in shoulder pain and a “falling asleep” arm.

You can read more about this topic in the next article: Shoulder painWhen a nerve is temporarily or permanently compressed or damaged, this can be represented as a “tingling” in the arm. The “tingling” is also referred to as paresthesia in medical terminology. In most cases it is felt to be very unpleasant.

Some people describe it as an “ant walk”. Also during pregnancy it can happen for various reasons that the arms (more often) “fall asleep”. This can be explained by water retention, which can press on nerves and then cause a “confusion” of the nerves, which can lead to tingling and numbness.

Furthermore, during pregnancy, a causal vitamin and iron deficiency can occur – with the result of a nerve disorder and arms “falling asleep”. In addition, tension, muscle imbalances, changes in posture and movement can occur during pregnancy, resulting in paresthesia of the arms. If you are uncertain, you should always contact your gynaecologist.