Nerve Issues: Why Are My Hands Numb?

Numbness in the hands?

Hello: Since before the Lunar New Year, I have been experiencing a feeling of fullness and pressure in my ears, along with neck tightness.
Sometimes I have dry mouth and fever, and I haven't been sleeping well at night.
I visited an ENT specialist, but there hasn't been much improvement.
Recently, I've also been experiencing numbness in both hands.
I would like to ask the doctor what might be going on and which department I should consult.

coco, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/08

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, you may want to consider sleep disorders.
Common causes include obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: habitual snoring, nasal congestion, enlarged tonsils, family members noticing breathing pauses, and a persistent feeling of not being well-rested, waking up frequently during the night.
Patients experience interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to episodes of awakening, after which they return to normal breathing.
Such episodes can occur dozens to hundreds of times in one night, with the duration of each awakening varying from a few seconds to over a minute, often going unnoticed by the patient.
Due to fragmented sleep, patients are unable to achieve quality rest, and they may even hear their own snoring during sleep, feeling drowsy throughout the day and potentially experiencing obesity.
These are all symptoms of sleep apnea.
As for the numbness in both hands, it is common for women to experience carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by compression of the median nerve leading to numbness and discomfort.
It is advisable to consult a neurologist for discussion and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.

Reply Date: 2017/07/08

More Info

Hello! It sounds like you are experiencing a range of concerning symptoms, including ear fullness, neck tightness, dry mouth, fever, poor sleep, and numbness in both hands. These symptoms can be quite distressing, and it's understandable that you want to find answers.

The symptoms you describe could potentially be related to several different medical issues. The numbness in your hands, in particular, is often associated with nerve problems. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
1. Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc or bone spurs. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates down the arm and into the hands.

2. Peripheral Neuropathy: This is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, which can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet. Causes can include diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, alcohol use, and certain medications.

3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist. It can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

4. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): While less common, MS can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling in the limbs. It is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.

5. Anxiety and Stress: Sometimes, psychological factors can manifest as physical symptoms, including numbness and tingling. Anxiety can lead to hyperventilation, which may cause sensations of numbness in the extremities.

Given your symptoms, it would be advisable to consult a neurologist, as they specialize in disorders of the nervous system. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of your nerves and muscles.

In addition to seeing a neurologist, it might also be beneficial to follow up with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist regarding your ear fullness and neck symptoms, especially since these could be related to issues such as Eustachian tube dysfunction or cervical spine problems.

In the meantime, here are a few self-care tips that may help alleviate some of your symptoms:
- Maintain Good Posture: Poor posture can contribute to neck and nerve issues. Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically set up to reduce strain on your neck and arms.

- Stay Hydrated: Dry mouth can be exacerbated by dehydration. Make sure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day.

- Manage Stress: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may alleviate some of your symptoms.

- Gentle Stretching: If you are experiencing neck tightness, gentle stretching exercises may help relieve tension.

- Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment can improve your sleep quality.

It's important to listen to your body and seek medical attention for persistent or worsening symptoms. I hope this information helps you understand your situation better, and I wish you the best in finding relief and answers to your health concerns.

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