Persistent Left-Sided Numbness: Causes and Concerns

Numbness in the left limb?

Dear Doctor,
In the past, I occasionally experienced numbness in my hands while sleeping at night, but for the past month, I have been experiencing daily numbness, specifically in my left hand, which is unusual as it used to be more sporadic.
The numbness is primarily on the outer side of my hand, affecting my little finger and ring finger.
I have observed that my hand position does not always involve bending or flexing; sometimes, it occurs even when my hand is resting flat beside my body.
The numbness improves with slight movement or a change in position.
Additionally, I have noticed that my left foot tends to go numb more easily than my right foot when I squat.
Initially, I thought this was due to my seating posture putting pressure on my left side, but even after intentionally shifting my position, there was little change.
Sometimes, I even feel a slight numbness in my left jaw, which has a warm sensation but is not very pronounced (I can still feel it when I pinch or tap it).
This is most noticeable after riding a motorcycle for a long distance.
Although these symptoms do not occur frequently, they cause me significant concern.
I wonder if this could be a sign of Parkinson's disease (as my father has this condition) or a precursor to a stroke (though my blood pressure tends to be low).
A year ago, I experienced numbness in my left hand during the day, which lasted nearly a week before resolving on its own.
I underwent an electromyography (EMG) test, which came back normal, and the neurologist humorously suggested I see a psychiatrist.

I am puzzled about what might be causing these strange symptoms.
Is there something compressing my left limbs? This left-sided issue seems to be a recurring theme, for example: 1.
Around the mid-cycle of my menstrual period, I experience discomfort and soreness in my left abdomen and left waist; 2.
I sometimes feel a sharp pain on the left side of my scalp (which I only notice when I press on it, otherwise it doesn't hurt); 3.
I have a painless and itchless lipoma on my left calf, which an orthopedic surgeon identified, as it is not a complete lump but resembles a small carrot growing beneath the calf muscle, leading me to initially think it was a tumor.
I hope you can help clarify my concerns.
Thank you!

Yun Jing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/09/07

Dr. Du Haojie reply Neurology

1.
Limb numbness is a common symptom of peripheral neuropathy, often caused by compression in younger women, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Neurological examinations may appear normal even if symptoms are mild.
2.
Headaches can be evaluated with an electroencephalogram (EEG).
3.
Subcutaneous lipomas can be removed through a minor surgical procedure, and a biopsy can be performed to rule out the possibility of malignancy.

Reply Date: 2002/09/07

More Info

The symptoms you are experiencing, particularly the persistent numbness and weakness on the left side of your body, warrant careful consideration and evaluation. Given your description of left-sided numbness, tingling, and weakness, especially in the hand and foot, there are several potential causes that could be contributing to your condition.

1. Nerve Compression or Entrapment: One of the most common causes of numbness and weakness in a specific limb is nerve compression. This can occur due to poor posture, repetitive movements, or sleeping positions that put pressure on nerves. For example, the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner side of the arm and into the hand, can become compressed, leading to symptoms in the little finger and ring finger. This is often referred to as "cubital tunnel syndrome." Similarly, if you are experiencing symptoms in your leg, it could be related to the sciatic nerve or other nerves being compressed in the lower back or pelvis.

2. Cervical or Lumbar Spine Issues: Problems in the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back) can also lead to symptoms of numbness and weakness. Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease can compress spinal nerves, leading to neurological symptoms in the arms or legs. Given that you have experienced these symptoms consistently, it may be worthwhile to have imaging studies, such as an MRI, to evaluate the condition of your spine.

3. Circulatory Issues: Although less common, circulatory problems can also lead to numbness and weakness. Conditions such as peripheral artery disease can reduce blood flow to the limbs, causing symptoms similar to what you are experiencing. However, this is less likely given your age and overall health.

4. Neurological Conditions: While it is understandable to be concerned about serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis or stroke, these are less common in younger individuals without other risk factors. However, if you have a family history of neurological diseases, it is essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

5. Muscle Fatigue or Overuse: Given your active lifestyle and engagement in weight training and cycling, muscle fatigue or overuse could also contribute to your symptoms. Chronic muscle tightness or strain can lead to referred pain and numbness in adjacent areas.

6. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress can sometimes manifest as physical symptoms, including numbness and tingling. If you find that your symptoms worsen during stressful periods, this may be a contributing factor.

Recommendations for Management:
- Seek Medical Evaluation: It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or orthopedic specialist, who can perform a thorough examination and possibly order imaging studies to rule out structural issues.

- Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help address posture, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility, which may alleviate some of the symptoms you are experiencing.

- Ergonomic Adjustments: Evaluate your workspace and sleeping positions to ensure they are not contributing to nerve compression. Consider using ergonomic furniture and adjusting your sleeping posture.

- Regular Exercise: Continue with regular, low-impact exercises that promote circulation and strengthen your core and back muscles. This can help alleviate some of the pressure on your nerves.

- Mindfulness and Stress Management: If stress is a contributing factor, consider incorporating mindfulness practices, such as yoga or meditation, to help manage anxiety and improve overall well-being.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be concerning, they are not necessarily indicative of a severe condition. However, it is essential to seek a professional evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and relief from symptoms.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Left-Sided Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults

Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old and recently started to feel a slight tingling sensation on the left side of my body. Sometimes it's in my arm, and other times it's in my entire leg, but it's always on the left side. I began an internship this summer where I sit i...

Dr. Xie Bojun reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your complaint is concerning, and simply inquiring with neurosurgery will not be able to address your questions. I recommend that you visit the neurology department at the hospital for an evaluation, as further diagnosis can only be made through examination.

Understanding Left-Sided Numbness: Possible Neurological Causes

Hello, I have a situation that may seem strange, but I couldn't find similar reasons no matter how much I searched, so I'm reaching out to you. It started with an itch in a single tooth, and I initially thought it was a gum issue. However, the next day, I began to exper...

Dr. Wu Mukhan reply Neurology
Hello, it seems that you are experiencing sensory abnormalities on the left side of your face as well as on the left side of your body. This situation requires ruling out any issues related to the brain, as stroke or central nervous system lesions cannot be completely excluded. I...

Understanding Left-Sided Scalp Numbness: Causes and Concerns

Hello, Doctor: Due to my job, I have to sit for long periods while using a computer, spending over 10 hours a day on it. In the past year or two, I have noticed some discomfort in my body. I experience sudden tingling sensations on the scalp at the back of my head on the left sid...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Hello: Prolonged computer use can lead to fatigue and body stiffness, resulting in soreness. It is recommended to: 1. Get up and move every 40 minutes. 2. Hand numbness may be related to carpal tunnel syndrome, which is associated with mouse usage. These issues are caused by insu...

Understanding Long-Term Left-Sided Facial and Scalp Numbness Symptoms

A patient with polio has been sitting for long periods. (1) The left side of the face experiences intermittent numbness, particularly in the cheek and scalp, with symptoms persisting for two to three years. The numbness does not occur daily but suddenly appears, starting from the...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
The sensation in the left forehead and left cheek is associated with the left trigeminal nerve pathway, while the ptosis of the left eye and the weakness in the movement of the left side of the face are related to the left facial nerve pathway. These two issues indicate a lesion ...