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What Causes Heaviness And Numbness In Arms?

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014

Question: My arm feels heavy and weak at the same time. The top of my thumb feels numb when rubbed. This is on my left side. Came on suddenly last night. My left hand was very weak and not able to function properly. There was also a feeling of heaviness. Somewhat better this morning.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Could be neuropraxia Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting your query. I have noted your symptoms. The most likely cause of your symptoms could be neuropraxia- mild dysfunction of nerves due to mechanical pressure on the nerves. This can result in weakness and heaviness at the same time. Numbness can also result from this. The condition improves on its own in a few days, and hence, there is no need to worry. However, if the weakness persists for more than a few days, then, you can see a neurologist and get nerve conduction studies done. I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information. Wishing you good health, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in

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

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (35 hours later)

Thank you. I did not injure my arm or hand in any way. What would be the cause then. Could these symptoms be caused by any other condition? The hand and arm are better today. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: My reply is below. Detailed Answer: Thank you for getting back and providing more information. Yes, this can result from viral infections or by just sleeping over the arm at night. I am glad to note that you are better today. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

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

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (54 minutes later)

Dr. XXXXXXX Thank you for your information and clear responses. One last question, do you know the location of this compressed nerve - would it be the arm or the neck? I believe it to be related some way to the Radial nerve as the persisting numbness is limited to the top of my thumb from the knuckle to the wrist being sensitive to touch. This all seems so unusual as it presented while I was sitting at my computer typing, while looking up info on my Aunt who has presented clinically with ALS although the EMG test she was given was inconclusive and was not completed. Would ALS cause her hands to turn inward and be immoveable? Her body is very stiff. She is under a doctors care of course. Naturally when my hand became weak I became alarmed. Thank you for your time and concern Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Your guess is correct. Detailed Answer: Thank you for getting back. Yes, it is most likely related to the mechanical compression of the radial nerve in the arm. It does not seem to suggest a compression in the neck region. ALS can cause the hand to turn inward, however, we need the EMG evidence to confirm the diagnosis. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

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