Definition
Tingling in the hand is a sensory disorder that can occur due to irritation or damage to a nerve. Due to the disturbed transmission of information through the nerve, an unpleasant sensation such as tingling, “formication” or numbness develops. This sensory disturbance can also be accompanied by pain.
The causes
There are several possible causes that can cause tingling in the hand. It can be a bottleneck syndrome, also called compression syndrome. One of the three nerves supplying the hand is constricted along its course by anatomical structures and thus damaged.
One of the most common bottleneck syndromes is carpal tunnel syndrome. Circulatory disorders of the arm or fingers can also lead to sensitivity disorders. However, the cause can also be more central.
A slipped disc, but also inflammatory diseases or circulatory disorders of the brain can cause tingling in the hand. In the case of newly occurring sensitivity disorders, a medical consultation is recommended. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve, one of the supplying nerves of the hand.
This is constricted by a ligament in the area of the wrist and is thus damaged. The cause can be overstrain, chronic inflammation, for example in rheumatoid arthritis, or unknown (idiopathic). Risk factors include familial susceptibility, diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism, among others.
Often it also occurs during pregnancy due to water retention. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are mainly nocturnal pain and tingling in the palm of the thumb, index and middle finger. In most cases, the symptoms improve by shaking the hand.
Both hands may be affected and if the symptoms persist for a long time, the muscles of the ball of the thumb may weaken. If the symptoms are minor, painkillers can be taken and a night splint can be used. In many cases, the ligament at the wrist must be split surgically.
A herniated disc causes pressure on the spinal cord due to the sliding of the disc. This damages the nerves and causes symptoms such as shooting, electrifying pain and sensitivity disorders. These can manifest themselves in the form of tingling and sensation.
Further symptoms are a reduction in strength up to muscle paralysis and reduced reflexes. The symptoms always affect the area supplied by the nerves (dermatome) of the damaged spinal cord. Sensitivity disorders of the hand can occur due to a herniated disc at the level of the cervical vertebrae C6 to C8.
If a herniated disc of the cervical spine is suspected, you should consult a physician. Polyneuropathy occurs when the nerves of the extremities are damaged due to a disease. The most common causes are diabetes mellitus, alcohol addiction, medication, autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
The symptoms are usually symmetrical and divided into stocking or glove-like patterns. Typically, sensory deficits such as tingling, “formication”, numbness, but also reduced temperature and vibration sensation occur. The therapy of polyneuropathy consists in the treatment of the underlying disease. Symptomatically, normal painkillers are not effective. Epilepsy medication, antidepressants or opioids can be used for this type of pain.