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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Numbness In Thumb With Headache Normal?

I was stung in my thumb by something earlier, not certain what it was. But it did leave a stinger. Within 20 minutes the entire thumb was numb. And now almost the entire hand is numb as well. No hives or itching. Just numbness and a severe headache which may very well be unrelated. Just a normal local reaction or something to be concerned with.
Mon, 3 Jan 2022
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

The numbness is not unusual here, the swelling from the stinger causing compression of the smaller sensory nerves in the thumb and as the thumb swells numbness is common to see. I do think the stinger needs to be removed so if you get it out then please do if not then going to an urgent care center is a good idea, it needs out.

Usually taking some BENADRYL 50mg and submerging the thumb in cool/cold water will help to reduce the swelling and restore the sensation. Give that a try if the swelling persists pasts 4-6 hours along with the numbness, then you may in fact need a course of PREDNISONE medicine to stop the swelling from increasing. Let's hope it doesn't get that far.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist
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Is Numbness In Thumb With Headache Normal?

Hi, The numbness is not unusual here, the swelling from the stinger causing compression of the smaller sensory nerves in the thumb and as the thumb swells numbness is common to see. I do think the stinger needs to be removed so if you get it out then please do if not then going to an urgent care center is a good idea, it needs out. Usually taking some BENADRYL 50mg and submerging the thumb in cool/cold water will help to reduce the swelling and restore the sensation. Give that a try if the swelling persists pasts 4-6 hours along with the numbness, then you may in fact need a course of PREDNISONE medicine to stop the swelling from increasing. Let s hope it doesn t get that far. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist