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

What Does Severe Loss Of Sensory Touch Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 3 Oct 2017

Question: I have severe loss of sensory touch in my left hand. The thumb and all fingers except my pinkie. When I tap these digits on a table, it reacts like an electric shock (but milder). I have had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand and this is in no way similar. There is no pain but I cannot blindly pick up so much as a pencil and recognize it by sensual feel. I cannot button small buttons or feel silverware when reaching in a drawer..

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nerve compression likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The loss of sensations in the left hand is suggestive of a nerve root compression at the cervical vertebral level due to degenerative disc changes or cervical spondylosis. It happens primarily due to degenerative changes secondary to age in the cervical spine. Past neck injury may also contribute to the degeneration.

X-ray of neck in lateral view or MRI will help in the diagnosis.
Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended for nerve compression symptoms.
Cervical isometric exercises are beneficial to maintain the strength of the neck muscles. Neck and upper back stretching exercises, as well as light aerobic activities, also are recommended under the guidance of a physical therapist.
You can avoid using a pillow.
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

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (14 hours later)

Thank you. My ortho MD let me quit PT after my shoulder because I am an aging jock by choice. I have taught swimming to elders and conditioning classes for post surgery in the water. This has just blown me away because I have 2 knee replacements as well as the shoulder and all of a sudden this left hand problem. I jokingly say that at least I am healthy enough for replacement parts. I also have a stent from a heart attack a few years back...Aging is truly a challenge.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Start with Methylcobalamin supplements.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
You can consult a neurologist for proper diagnosis. Starting with methylcobalamin supplements will also help.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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