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What Causes Numbness In Fingers?
Question: I am starting to have the ends of my fingers getting numb. If feels like they are going to sleep. first on my right hand since Feb. all fingers on the last joint, except my little finger. Now the middle finger on my left hand is starting.
Brief Answer:
imaging and blood tests may be needed
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The nerves that are responsible for sensation in the fingers pass from the neck to the axilla, along the arm then through the forearm and into the hand.
Numbness and altered sensation can occur from : (1) compression or trauma to the nerves from any point along this line
This can occur due to arthritis of the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrists or due to trauma to the bones
Carpal tunnel may also be a possible cause
(2)vitamin b12 or folate deficiency can also cause abnormal sensations such as numbness
(3)diabetes
(4)liver or kidney disease
(5)exposure to toxins
(6)infections- eg shingles can cause nerve related changes but would normally be associated with a rash
(7)neurological diseases such as MS
(8)some hormonal diseases such as: in some thyroid patients
(9)idiopathic- cause is not known
An initial x ray of the neck, shoulders would identify if there are any joint changes here.
If normal, may need assessment of the elbow and wrists
Blood tests for vitamin b12 or folate levels can also be considered.
There are nerve conduction tests that can be done as well. These would be done by a specialist
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
imaging and blood tests may be needed
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The nerves that are responsible for sensation in the fingers pass from the neck to the axilla, along the arm then through the forearm and into the hand.
Numbness and altered sensation can occur from : (1) compression or trauma to the nerves from any point along this line
This can occur due to arthritis of the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrists or due to trauma to the bones
Carpal tunnel may also be a possible cause
(2)vitamin b12 or folate deficiency can also cause abnormal sensations such as numbness
(3)diabetes
(4)liver or kidney disease
(5)exposure to toxins
(6)infections- eg shingles can cause nerve related changes but would normally be associated with a rash
(7)neurological diseases such as MS
(8)some hormonal diseases such as: in some thyroid patients
(9)idiopathic- cause is not known
An initial x ray of the neck, shoulders would identify if there are any joint changes here.
If normal, may need assessment of the elbow and wrists
Blood tests for vitamin b12 or folate levels can also be considered.
There are nerve conduction tests that can be done as well. These would be done by a specialist
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What type of a specialist would I go to get an answer?
XXXXX
XXXXX
Brief Answer:
neurologist
Detailed Answer:
HI
A neurlogist. They specialize in abnormal function/structure of the nerves
Please feel free to ask any other questions
neurologist
Detailed Answer:
HI
A neurlogist. They specialize in abnormal function/structure of the nerves
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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