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What Causes Tingling In Left Arm When Diagnosed With Peripheral Artery Disease?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Oct 2015
Question: I have PAD . . experiencing tingling on the left side of left arm down through the left side of my hand (especially in little finger. It may only be having slept on it awkwardly. When should I start to worry.

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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Nerve issue more likely

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

I suppose the biggest worry for you is developing peripheral artery disease in the upper extremity as well. However that possibility is rare, usually PAD affects lower limbs, it is rare for it to affect the upper ones. Also the distribution of the abnormal sensations you describe is not typical for vascular disease, more typical for a nerve issue. Vascular disease also has features such as color change, cold skin, lower pulse, pain on exercising etc. However it is good that you're confirming with your vascular surgeon.

Looks more probable to me though that it is a peripheral nerve issue, which is not as urgent. Usually caused by compression of a nerve root in the neck from spinal changes, or compression more peripherally along the nerve trajectory. So in my opinion apart from an ultrasound a nerve conduction studies exam must be scheduled, to confirm compression, its severity and its site. There is no medication which can directly affect compression, only pain killers, if it is persistent and severe surgery might be considered. If the cause is in the neck physical therapy may be needed as well. If peripheral it may be related to a recent injury and often improves gradually over weeks without needing any intervention. Some supplements such as Vitamin B complex or zinc is often prescribed as well although the benefit is yet to be really proven.

If your PAD is in the setting of diabetes as is usually the case, goes without saying that control of blood sugar is the best therapy, peripheral neuropathy and compression phenomena are much more common in diabetic patients.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Tingling In Left Arm When Diagnosed With Peripheral Artery Disease?

Brief Answer: Nerve issue more likely Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. I suppose the biggest worry for you is developing peripheral artery disease in the upper extremity as well. However that possibility is rare, usually PAD affects lower limbs, it is rare for it to affect the upper ones. Also the distribution of the abnormal sensations you describe is not typical for vascular disease, more typical for a nerve issue. Vascular disease also has features such as color change, cold skin, lower pulse, pain on exercising etc. However it is good that you're confirming with your vascular surgeon. Looks more probable to me though that it is a peripheral nerve issue, which is not as urgent. Usually caused by compression of a nerve root in the neck from spinal changes, or compression more peripherally along the nerve trajectory. So in my opinion apart from an ultrasound a nerve conduction studies exam must be scheduled, to confirm compression, its severity and its site. There is no medication which can directly affect compression, only pain killers, if it is persistent and severe surgery might be considered. If the cause is in the neck physical therapy may be needed as well. If peripheral it may be related to a recent injury and often improves gradually over weeks without needing any intervention. Some supplements such as Vitamin B complex or zinc is often prescribed as well although the benefit is yet to be really proven. If your PAD is in the setting of diabetes as is usually the case, goes without saying that control of blood sugar is the best therapy, peripheral neuropathy and compression phenomena are much more common in diabetic patients.