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What Causes Nerve Damage In Neck, Cold Numbness In Forefingers And Thumbs

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Posted on Fri, 11 Dec 2015
Question: cold numbness in fore fingers and thumb of both hands with some pain mainly in right hand. 63 years old with nerve damage in neck and back from old injures.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possible carpal tunnel syndrome.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

That description corresponds to a probable peripheral nerve issue. Judging by the fingers involved, in particular if it is the palmar surface which is more involved, I believe the most probable diagnosis to be carpal tunnel syndrome, which is related to compression of the median nerve as it passes in the wrist. It is common for it to involve both sides. It is easily diagnosed through physical examination by your physician (with tests which reproduce the symptoms such as tapping on the nerve) as well as a test called nerve conduction study. Management is through wrist immobilisation and pain killers, but often a simple procedure is required.

Another possible alternative given your history of neck issues would be compression of nerve roots in the neck, the more probable cause if the pain goes higher up than the elbow especially if from the neck. In that case an MRI of the neck would evidence the compression. Management would be with physical therapy, if in effective local injections may be used, with surgery as a last resort.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (18 hours later)
my right hand is very cold from the middle palm to the end of my fingers and thumb and the pain is in my wrist,hand and fingers. is this most likely carpal tunnel syndrome?….i have always had warm hands but these symptoms started about six months ago and they stay cold 80% of the time.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely carpal tunnel

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for adding some more info.

If there is cold skin temperature which is evidenced other observers as well of course it would be prudent to consider circulation issues. However if you have a well palpable pulse in your wrist it shouldn't be the cause.

I still believe carpal tunnel syndrome to be the most likely cause. It is a not that uncommon complaint of many patients to feel changes in skin temperature. That is thought to be because the median nerve carries also autonomic nerve fibers to the hand and the autonomic nervous system has vasomotor functions, regulates the dilation or constriction of small distal blood vessels, thus its dysfunction well explains those manifestations.

I hope to have been of help.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Nerve Damage In Neck, Cold Numbness In Forefingers And Thumbs

Brief Answer: Possible carpal tunnel syndrome. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. That description corresponds to a probable peripheral nerve issue. Judging by the fingers involved, in particular if it is the palmar surface which is more involved, I believe the most probable diagnosis to be carpal tunnel syndrome, which is related to compression of the median nerve as it passes in the wrist. It is common for it to involve both sides. It is easily diagnosed through physical examination by your physician (with tests which reproduce the symptoms such as tapping on the nerve) as well as a test called nerve conduction study. Management is through wrist immobilisation and pain killers, but often a simple procedure is required. Another possible alternative given your history of neck issues would be compression of nerve roots in the neck, the more probable cause if the pain goes higher up than the elbow especially if from the neck. In that case an MRI of the neck would evidence the compression. Management would be with physical therapy, if in effective local injections may be used, with surgery as a last resort. I remain at your disposal for other questions.