Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Occasional Numbness And Tingling In Arm?
Question: Occasional weakness and decreased control in right arm?hand.
Brief Answer:
More info might be useful
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It would have been useful to add some more detail regarding the history of these episodes, since when have they presented, how often, how long do they last, any other phenomena such as numbness, tingling etc.
In front of such episodes one has to consider whether their origin is central in the brain or peripheral.
At your age brain lesions which have to be considered include naturally stroke. However if the episodes have been present for some time and are always identical in nature then I think that is unlikely (repeat strokes would have symptoms in different areas). If the episodes are acute though, only in the last few days or week, then I think you should head to the emergency room to be evaluated for stroke.
Among more peripheral causes might be spinal cord or nerver root compression, but the latter usually is associated with some pain and sensory phenomena such as tingling. The same goes for compression of a peripheral nerve in the arm.
I remain at your disposal for further questions but possibly with some more of the info I mentioned at the beginning of my answer.
More info might be useful
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It would have been useful to add some more detail regarding the history of these episodes, since when have they presented, how often, how long do they last, any other phenomena such as numbness, tingling etc.
In front of such episodes one has to consider whether their origin is central in the brain or peripheral.
At your age brain lesions which have to be considered include naturally stroke. However if the episodes have been present for some time and are always identical in nature then I think that is unlikely (repeat strokes would have symptoms in different areas). If the episodes are acute though, only in the last few days or week, then I think you should head to the emergency room to be evaluated for stroke.
Among more peripheral causes might be spinal cord or nerver root compression, but the latter usually is associated with some pain and sensory phenomena such as tingling. The same goes for compression of a peripheral nerve in the arm.
I remain at your disposal for further questions but possibly with some more of the info I mentioned at the beginning of my answer.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Symptoms occur only occasionally, maybe about once a month and there is no pain. These have only appeared within the last year or so. Duration lasts about 5-7
minutes. During these episodes I have trouble controlling precise movement of
my right arm and hand. The left arm and hand has not been affected.
The symptoms disappear after a few minutes. I think I have arthritis in my neck, and a grinding sensation sometimes accompanies movement of my head.
I have recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, and a biopsy of the right adrenal gland was performed. I am currently waiting for the results from my pulmonologist.
minutes. During these episodes I have trouble controlling precise movement of
my right arm and hand. The left arm and hand has not been affected.
The symptoms disappear after a few minutes. I think I have arthritis in my neck, and a grinding sensation sometimes accompanies movement of my head.
I have recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, and a biopsy of the right adrenal gland was performed. I am currently waiting for the results from my pulmonologist.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
That definitely is against stroke for the reason I mentioned before. Being present for a year also makes a tumor or a degenerative disease which would have progressed.
A peripheral cause is to be sought such as spinal cord or compression of the radial nerve. That can be done through neck MRI and nerve conduction studies.
Of course your current other medical issues take priority for the moment and the above exams can take place in a second moment. You should imform your pulmonologist about this issue as there are some types of lung cancer, in the apex mainly which can lead to nerve compression. Since it's been a year by now that shouldn't be the case, but still the pulmonologist has to be informed in order to evaluate according to the tumor location and size whether there may be a connection.
I hope things work out for the best.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
That definitely is against stroke for the reason I mentioned before. Being present for a year also makes a tumor or a degenerative disease which would have progressed.
A peripheral cause is to be sought such as spinal cord or compression of the radial nerve. That can be done through neck MRI and nerve conduction studies.
Of course your current other medical issues take priority for the moment and the above exams can take place in a second moment. You should imform your pulmonologist about this issue as there are some types of lung cancer, in the apex mainly which can lead to nerve compression. Since it's been a year by now that shouldn't be the case, but still the pulmonologist has to be informed in order to evaluate according to the tumor location and size whether there may be a connection.
I hope things work out for the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
