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What Causes Numbness In The Left Hand?
Question: while sleeping my hands go numb, more on the left hand than the right. originally I thought that I may be sleeping on my arm and reducing blood flow but i've been able to rule that out, This condition only happens when I sleep
Brief Answer:
Several possibilities
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Those sensory symptoms indicate that a nerve compression is happening. Nerves can get compressed at different sites along their course. Most commonly neck spine issues are the cause. During the night as the head and neck take certain positions, with the muscles relaxed, there may be nerve compression. Of course that is in the setting of chronic changes which are evidenced by posture changes.
Another possibility is carpal tunnel syndrome, compression of the median nerve in the wrists. It is commonly bilateral, usually symptoms involve hand and forearm, but may radiate further upwards in some cases.
One other cause of nerve compression is thoracic outlet syndrome, compression of the nerve in shoulder area, less likely at your age though.
At times it may also be due to metabolic or hormonal alterations, like changes in calcium, magnesium, potassium, thyroid and parathyroid hormone levels.
So in order to differentiate between those causes, or other less common ones you should start by a physical exam to check for signs of neck or carpal tunnel issues. Some blood tests like glucose, electrolyte panel, thyroid function are recommended and depending on physical exam findings tests like neck MRI or nerve conduction studies may be considered.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Several possibilities
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Those sensory symptoms indicate that a nerve compression is happening. Nerves can get compressed at different sites along their course. Most commonly neck spine issues are the cause. During the night as the head and neck take certain positions, with the muscles relaxed, there may be nerve compression. Of course that is in the setting of chronic changes which are evidenced by posture changes.
Another possibility is carpal tunnel syndrome, compression of the median nerve in the wrists. It is commonly bilateral, usually symptoms involve hand and forearm, but may radiate further upwards in some cases.
One other cause of nerve compression is thoracic outlet syndrome, compression of the nerve in shoulder area, less likely at your age though.
At times it may also be due to metabolic or hormonal alterations, like changes in calcium, magnesium, potassium, thyroid and parathyroid hormone levels.
So in order to differentiate between those causes, or other less common ones you should start by a physical exam to check for signs of neck or carpal tunnel issues. Some blood tests like glucose, electrolyte panel, thyroid function are recommended and depending on physical exam findings tests like neck MRI or nerve conduction studies may be considered.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What would you recommend to be my best sleep position if this condition is due to nerve compression. I usually sleep on my side with my head in about a 45 degree angle to my body.
Brief Answer:
Depends on the cause
Detailed Answer:
Well that depends on the cause, that should be determined first. If due to carpal tunnel syndrome, metabolic or hormonal origins then the head position doesn't matter much.
If due to neck causes then I would suggest a lower angle than 45 degrees, 30 or less. Anatomical pillows and/or a cervical collar during the night may also help.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Depends on the cause
Detailed Answer:
Well that depends on the cause, that should be determined first. If due to carpal tunnel syndrome, metabolic or hormonal origins then the head position doesn't matter much.
If due to neck causes then I would suggest a lower angle than 45 degrees, 30 or less. Anatomical pillows and/or a cervical collar during the night may also help.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
You mention low levels of certain components that could be supplied by my diet. By my own admission I don't eat as I probably should. What would you recommend as a multi vitamin for a man my age?
Brief Answer:
Many similar products, a couple of mentions.
Detailed Answer:
There are so many types of multivitamins out there, so many companies producing similar products under different brands. However if I had to mention a brand I could mention Naturelo whole food vitamin for men, or Garden of life vitamin code for men. Centrum products are also very good.
I hope to have been of help.
Many similar products, a couple of mentions.
Detailed Answer:
There are so many types of multivitamins out there, so many companies producing similar products under different brands. However if I had to mention a brand I could mention Naturelo whole food vitamin for men, or Garden of life vitamin code for men. Centrum products are also very good.
I hope to have been of help.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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