Numbness in the hand

Definition

A numbness in the hand is a sensory disorder caused by a disturbed information transmission of the nerves. This disorder is caused by damage or irritation of the nerves that supply the hand. A numbness can also feel furry or like “ant walking”. In some cases, sensory disturbances can also be accompanied by sensory discomfort. In case of sudden occurrence of numbness or simultaneous occurrence of paralysis, a medical examination should be performed.

The causes of numbness in the hand

Basically, numbness in the hand can be caused by damage to the central (brain and spinal cord) or peripheral nerves. There can be many different causes for this. A common cause of peripheral damage is so-called bottleneck syndrome, where the nerve is trapped in the course of the arm.

Metabolic diseases or autoimmune diseases can also damage the peripheral nerves of the hand. The main causes include stroke, multiple sclerosis, inflammation and herniated discs, among others. Carpal tunnel syndrome (Brachialgia paraesthetica nocturna) is one of the bottleneck syndromes in which the median nerve below the carpal ligament at the wrist is constricted and thus becomes irritated.

The symptoms are mainly nocturnal pain and numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle finger. By shaking the hand, the symptoms improve briefly. In the long term, damage to the nerve can cause the muscles of the ball of the thumb to deteriorate.

If symptoms are only mild, a night-time splint can be helpful. Otherwise, surgical splitting of the carpal ligament may be considered. A stroke is caused by a circulatory disorder of the brain and usually results in paralysis and sensitivity disorders.

Typically, only one half of the body is affected and most often the face and arm is paralyzed and numb. How long the symptoms last depends on the severity of the stroke and the speed of the start of therapy. If there is a sign of a stroke, a presentation in the emergency room should take place as soon as possible.

For some patients, the symptoms disappear within the first few days, for others rehabilitation is necessary. You can find more information on this topic at The Stroke. Herniated discs occur more frequently with increasing age and are usually located in the area of the lumbar spine.

In some cases, however, the cervical spine may also be affected, so that the symptoms can be felt in the arms. Due to the pressure of the intervertebral disc on the spinal cord, nerves at this level can be damaged. This causes different symptoms such as numbness, tingling and electrifying pain.

It can also lead to a reduction in strength and muscle breakdown, as well as to reduced reflexes. The nerves of the spinal cord at the level of the cervical vertebrae C6 to C8 supply the forearm and the hand. Thus a herniated disc at this height causes numbness and pain in the hand.

If you suspect a herniated disc, you should seek medical advice. The symptoms of a herniated disc of the cervical spine? In polyneuropathy, small nerves of the arms and legs are damaged by an underlying disease.

The most common causes are diseases such as diabetes mellitus or alcohol addiction, but drugs, inflammatory or autoimmune processes can also be triggers. In most cases, feet and hands are affected symmetrically. Sensory disturbances such as numbness, tingling and “formication” occur, as well as sensations that can be painful.

The sensation of vibration and temperature is also disturbed and in addition, gait disorders can occur. The therapy consists primarily in the treatment of the underlying disease. The vitamin B12 deficiency can have several causes.

It can be due to a too low intake in case of malnutrition, vegan or vegetarian diet. Too little intake due to gastrointestinal diseases can also be the cause or an increased requirement during pregnancy. The vitamin deficiency can be asymptomatic, but it can also have severe courses.

Severe neurological and psychiatric symptoms may occur. Patients may develop symmetrical loss of sensitivity of the extremities (arms and legs), pain, gait disorders and paralysis.The therapy consists of the administration of vitamin B12 and the treatment of a possible underlying disease. The severity of a burn is divided into four grades.

Up to grade 2b, patients still feel pain. From grade 3 on, deep layers of the skin are destroyed, so that surface sensitivity is lost because the nerve endings are burned. Patients no longer feel pain and the skin feels numb.

The burnt skin now dies and black, white and leathery skin areas develop. In case of such a burn, an immediate presentation in hospital is extremely important! Spontaneous healing is impossible and the risk of inflammation is high.

When sleeping on the side, the radialis nerve can be pressed at the level of the middle of the upper arm and thus become irritated. When waking up, the thumb, index finger and half of the middle finger may feel numb or tingling. If the damage is more severe, paralysis can also occur, the so-called drop hand.

The hand hangs down and stretching the fingers is not possible. As a rule, no therapy is necessary. The arm should be spared and the symptoms improve after a few days.

Feelings of numbness in the hand are not uncommon during pregnancy. Due to hormones, pregnant women have more water retention, which can constrict the carpal tunnel. This irritates the median nerve and causes night-time pain and numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle finger.

It can also occur on both sides. In this case a splint can be tried as therapy. The carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy?