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What Causes Numbness In The Hand While Having Anxiety?

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Posted on Wed, 28 Dec 2016
Question: I am having a panic disorder. One of the symptoms that bother me is this sudden striking numbness in my right hand and fingers. Some times i have a little pain.I can move my hand, but the numbness is really scary. Its just freeze my hand for a few seconds, then i start getting dizy , breathing fast and get to full blown panic. Called 911 a few times, went to hospital, nothing. But this numbness really bothers me, and the arm just get week. I get numbness in the face sometime. I take 0.5mg xanax and go away after an hour or so. But scared if this is a stroke or something. blood preasure is fine , goes up to 130/86, 135/90.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
This is part of anxiety spectrum symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

Presence of numbness in localised area id part of anxiety symptoms and it is not indicative of any stroke. The complete evolution of panic attack after start of numbness differentiates it from stroke which will not cause you panic attacks. In addition the stroke likely to cause permanent damage which is not present in your case.

Third the possibility of stroke below 50 years among women is almost rare although contrary is true for panic attacks. The presence of normal vitals (blood pressure) again goes against stroke.

To conclude I must assure you that background information and other clinical symptoms clearly indicate against stroke.

I hope this helps you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

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What Causes Numbness In The Hand While Having Anxiety?

Brief Answer: This is part of anxiety spectrum symptoms Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. Presence of numbness in localised area id part of anxiety symptoms and it is not indicative of any stroke. The complete evolution of panic attack after start of numbness differentiates it from stroke which will not cause you panic attacks. In addition the stroke likely to cause permanent damage which is not present in your case. Third the possibility of stroke below 50 years among women is almost rare although contrary is true for panic attacks. The presence of normal vitals (blood pressure) again goes against stroke. To conclude I must assure you that background information and other clinical symptoms clearly indicate against stroke. I hope this helps you. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386 Thanks and regards.