Numbness on Half of the Back of My Hand: When to See a Neurologist?

Q: Numbness on Half of the Back of My Hand: When to See a Neurologist?

Hello： Your symptoms are more indicative of ulnar nerve entrapment, particularly affecting the branches on the back of the hand. <br>When the elbow rests on a hard surface, such as a table, or when pressure is applied to the elbow, it can likely lead to ulnar nerve entrapment, es

Numbness in half of the back of the hand?

I have numbness on the left half of the back of my left hand and half of my little finger, but the palm is not numb, and I do not feel weakness or pain.
It has been like this for about a week.
Should I see a neurologist for this?

brad, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/29

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Your symptoms are more indicative of ulnar nerve entrapment, particularly affecting the branches on the back of the hand.
When the elbow rests on a hard surface, such as a table, or when pressure is applied to the elbow, it can likely lead to ulnar nerve entrapment, especially during activities like typing or if there is scarring or fibrous tissue formation due to trauma to the elbow, which can compress the ulnar nerve.
When ulnar nerve entrapment occurs, numbness may be experienced.
In severe cases, muscle atrophy may occur in the innervated muscles, leading to a "claw hand" deformity.

When diagnosing ulnar nerve entrapment, physicians rely on a detailed medical history and physical examination, paying particular attention to the distribution of any abnormal sensations such as numbness or pain.
Common diagnostic tests include nerve conduction studies and electromyography, as nerve conduction velocity slows when the nerve is compressed or entrapped.

In terms of treatment, it is essential to reduce nerve compression.
For individuals who frequently rest their elbows on hard surfaces or have a habit of leaning on their elbows, using a cushion in between can help alleviate pressure.
If you are unsure about your harmful postures, consulting with a physician or physical therapist can help identify bad habits or situations that may be putting pressure on or injuring the ulnar nerve.

I recommend that you consult with a neurologist or a rehabilitation physician for discussion and treatment.
Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.

Dr.
Jiang, Department of Neurology, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2018/06/29

More Info

Experiencing numbness on half of the back of your hand, particularly if it has persisted for about a week, is certainly a symptom that warrants attention. While the absence of weakness or pain is somewhat reassuring, it is still important to consider the potential underlying causes of your symptoms, as they could indicate a neurological issue.

Numbness in the hand can arise from various conditions, including nerve compression, peripheral neuropathy, or even issues related to the cervical spine. Given that your symptoms are localized to the back of your hand and involve only a specific area, it could suggest a possible issue with the ulnar nerve, which innervates the little finger and part of the ring finger. Ulnar nerve entrapment, often referred to as cubital tunnel syndrome, occurs when the nerve is compressed at the elbow or wrist, leading to numbness and tingling in the areas it supplies.

Another possibility is that your symptoms could be related to a condition known as thoracic outlet syndrome, where nerves or blood vessels are compressed in the space between your collarbone and your first rib. This can lead to numbness and tingling in the arm and hand.

In terms of when to see a neurologist, it is generally advisable to seek medical attention if:
1. The numbness persists beyond a week without improvement.

2. You experience any new symptoms, such as weakness, pain, or changes in coordination.

3. The numbness spreads or affects other areas of your body.

4. You have a history of conditions that could predispose you to nerve issues, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or a history of trauma.

A neurologist can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a detailed medical history, and possibly diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of your nerves and muscles. Imaging studies, like an MRI of the cervical spine, may also be warranted if there is suspicion of a herniated disc or other structural issues affecting the nerves.

In the meantime, it may be beneficial to monitor your symptoms closely. Keeping a journal of when the numbness occurs, any activities that seem to exacerbate it, and any other accompanying symptoms can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider. Additionally, avoiding positions that may compress the nerves, such as resting your arm on hard surfaces or keeping your elbow bent for prolonged periods, may help alleviate your symptoms.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may not seem severe at this moment, it is prudent to consult with a neurologist, especially since the numbness has persisted for a week. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and help prevent potential complications. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to neurological symptoms.

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