Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is A Pinched Nerve In The Neck A Cause For Concern?
Question: I was at my computer and I have a lot of neck/back issues.....and was surprised when my whole left arm went to sleep,,,,and just now the feeling is coming back...pinched nerve...or other? My thumb is still numb....
Brief Answer:
A stroke must be considered
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
A pinched nerve in the neck is a possibility considering your chronic neck issues. However that presentation is not typical, it usually manifests with neck pain radiating in the arm along the nerve trajectory, not with the arm going to sleep. Often there is involvement of only some of the fingers (according to the nerve involved), not all the limb as you seem to describe. Also by your description it seems there was weakness of the arm as well which is not typical.
So in this case considering also your age which renders you someone at risk for cerebrovascular disease such as stroke I think the diagnosis of a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (which is simply a subtype of stroke where symptoms regress) must be considered. So I believe you should be evaluated urgently, even in the ER for other signs which you might have missed such as subtle weakness in the face and limbs, as well as imaging and screening for possible causes of stroke (such as heart arrhythmia).
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
A stroke must be considered
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
A pinched nerve in the neck is a possibility considering your chronic neck issues. However that presentation is not typical, it usually manifests with neck pain radiating in the arm along the nerve trajectory, not with the arm going to sleep. Often there is involvement of only some of the fingers (according to the nerve involved), not all the limb as you seem to describe. Also by your description it seems there was weakness of the arm as well which is not typical.
So in this case considering also your age which renders you someone at risk for cerebrovascular disease such as stroke I think the diagnosis of a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (which is simply a subtype of stroke where symptoms regress) must be considered. So I believe you should be evaluated urgently, even in the ER for other signs which you might have missed such as subtle weakness in the face and limbs, as well as imaging and screening for possible causes of stroke (such as heart arrhythmia).
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
