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

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Numbness In The Arms And Hands?

Just spoke with my mom who is 73 with osteoporosis and an unhealed broken pelvis from last april. She says she has difficulty urinating and feels like things are collapsing. This has been going on since summer. But seems to have gotten worse this month. She is booked for a colonoscopy at the end of January and she wants to wait until that is done before seeing at doctor for her pelvis issues. I worry for her as she gets multiple migraines (over the last three years) which are getting more frequent. Like once or twice a week with numbness in arms and hands. She also has a hard time focusing and gets confused plus is forgetful. I think her doctor should have referred her to some type of specialist. Any suggestions? My Mom lives in spruce grove.
Mon, 6 Mar 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. It is common to have multiple comorbidities at this age. She has broken pelvis, difficulty urinating, migraines, numbness and forgetfulness.

It is common at this age to have pelvic fractures. Calcium tablets would help her to prevent fractures. Any women above 50 years should take calcium supplement to prevent bone related issues. If broken pelvis hurts and if she is not ready for surgery she could take pain killers like zerodol sp twice daily for 2 weeks.
She can also try for Teriparatide (20 mcg subcutaneously once a day into the thigh or abdominal wall) which can be used in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. Teriparatide increases of bone mass. It might be little costly but it is useful. If she is fit enough to undergo surgery, it is always the best option.

For difficulty urinating, she can use oxybutynin which reduces urinary incontinence.

For numbness in arm and hands could be because of B12 deficiency (lack of food rich in B12). It is good to under go serum B12 levels. If low B12 she can be treated for that. If she is a non vegetarian she can eat meat with high B12 content (like liver). If she is a vegetarian she may have to take B12 injections intra muscularly daily and gradually tapered it off, once the levels are corrected.

Forgetfullness (dementia) is common age related problem. Donepezil/ rivastigmine are drugs which could be helpful for her forgetfulness. Also B12 supplements can decrease her forgetfulness.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing your mom a very good health!
I find this answer helpful

2 Doctors agree with this answer


Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Numbness In The Arms And Hands?

Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. It is common to have multiple comorbidities at this age. She has broken pelvis, difficulty urinating, migraines, numbness and forgetfulness. It is common at this age to have pelvic fractures. Calcium tablets would help her to prevent fractures. Any women above 50 years should take calcium supplement to prevent bone related issues. If broken pelvis hurts and if she is not ready for surgery she could take pain killers like zerodol sp twice daily for 2 weeks. She can also try for Teriparatide (20 mcg subcutaneously once a day into the thigh or abdominal wall) which can be used in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. Teriparatide increases of bone mass. It might be little costly but it is useful. If she is fit enough to undergo surgery, it is always the best option. For difficulty urinating, she can use oxybutynin which reduces urinary incontinence. For numbness in arm and hands could be because of B12 deficiency (lack of food rich in B12). It is good to under go serum B12 levels. If low B12 she can be treated for that. If she is a non vegetarian she can eat meat with high B12 content (like liver). If she is a vegetarian she may have to take B12 injections intra muscularly daily and gradually tapered it off, once the levels are corrected. Forgetfullness (dementia) is common age related problem. Donepezil/ rivastigmine are drugs which could be helpful for her forgetfulness. Also B12 supplements can decrease her forgetfulness. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Wishing your mom a very good health!