HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Numbness In Hands And Arms At Night?

default
Posted on Tue, 11 Nov 2014
Question: I have woken up in the middle of the night a few times in the past number of weeks with a numbness in my hands and arms, almost like they have fallen asleep (without my sleeping on them). They might not be totally numb, since I do feel them, so maybe there is a slight tingling. Any ideas?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
B12 deficiency likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
There are three possibilities which point towards the symptoms of tingling of hands and arms.

1) The first possibility is of vitamin B 12 deficiency which is more pronounced if you are a vegetarian. You need to get the levels of vitamin B 12 done to rule out this possibility.

2) The second possibility at your age is of diabetes as raised blood sugar levels can cause peripheral neuropathy which causes tingling in the extremities.
To rule it out you need to get your fasting blood sugar levels and a HBA1c done.

3) The third possibility is of a spinal cause . Any spinal cause in the upper spine may be associated with tingling and numbness. So to rule out this possibility you need a MRI whole spine done after consulting a neurologist.

We need to confirm the diagnosis by getting your blood sugar levels, EKG heart, vitamin B 12 levels and a neurological examination from a neurologist done. You should eat a healthy diet consisting more of meat and non veg products which are sources of vitamin B 12. If you are a vegetarian then you can take vitamin B 12 supplements after consulting your physician.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Numbness In Hands And Arms At Night?

Brief Answer: B12 deficiency likely. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. There are three possibilities which point towards the symptoms of tingling of hands and arms. 1) The first possibility is of vitamin B 12 deficiency which is more pronounced if you are a vegetarian. You need to get the levels of vitamin B 12 done to rule out this possibility. 2) The second possibility at your age is of diabetes as raised blood sugar levels can cause peripheral neuropathy which causes tingling in the extremities. To rule it out you need to get your fasting blood sugar levels and a HBA1c done. 3) The third possibility is of a spinal cause . Any spinal cause in the upper spine may be associated with tingling and numbness. So to rule out this possibility you need a MRI whole spine done after consulting a neurologist. We need to confirm the diagnosis by getting your blood sugar levels, EKG heart, vitamin B 12 levels and a neurological examination from a neurologist done. You should eat a healthy diet consisting more of meat and non veg products which are sources of vitamin B 12. If you are a vegetarian then you can take vitamin B 12 supplements after consulting your physician. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal