Numbness in the Left Hand and Occipital Region

Numbness in the back of the head and tingling in the left hand?

The left hand has been feeling numb for several days, and tonight there is suddenly a tingling sensation in the back of the head.
I would like to know what could be causing this.

Ke, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/06

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Ke,
You may need to consider cervical nerve root compression, which is often related to tightness in the cervical muscles and degeneration of the cervical spine.
Symptoms typically include pain at the affected site, discomfort, muscle stiffness, or neurological sensations.
Symptoms may worsen in the morning or with changes in weather, but can be alleviated with stretching activities, and often recur.
During acute episodes, there may be localized muscle tension and spasms, leading to restricted movement.
When the intervertebral disc compresses the nerves between the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae, it can cause shoulder and neck pain, while compression between the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae may result in tingling, numbness, or weakness in the fingertips.
However, if these episodes recur frequently, it may be necessary to consider specific symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
The Lhermitte sign, which is characterized by an electric shock-like sensation in the shoulders or arms when the neck is flexed, may indicate increased sensitivity of demyelinated nerves.
Additionally, as a young woman, it is important to rule out any autoimmune or metabolic issues.
For nerve repair, it is recommended to supplement with B vitamins and ensure adequate sleep.
I suggest consulting a neurologist for further evaluation and treatment; however, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is advisable to wait until the situation stabilizes before visiting a hospital for examination.
Please also practice self-protection measures, including cleaning and disinfection, and adhere to new preventive health guidelines.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions further! Wishing you good health and peace.
Best regards,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi
Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2021/06/06

More Info

Numbness in the left hand and the occipital region can be concerning and may arise from various underlying causes. It's essential to understand that numbness is often a symptom of nerve compression, irritation, or damage, and can be associated with several conditions.

1. Nerve Compression or Entrapment: One of the most common reasons for numbness in the hand is carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. However, if the numbness is localized to the left hand, it could also be due to ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow or wrist. The occipital region numbness could suggest irritation of the occipital nerves, which can occur due to muscle tension or cervical spine issues.

2. Cervical Radiculopathy: If there is a problem in the cervical spine, such as a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease, it can lead to nerve root compression. This can cause symptoms that radiate down the arm, leading to numbness in the hand, as well as pain or numbness in the occipital region due to nerve involvement.

3. Peripheral Neuropathy: Conditions such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (especially B12), or alcohol use can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which may cause numbness in the extremities, including the hands.

4. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): While less common, MS can cause numbness and tingling sensations in various parts of the body, including the hands and occipital region, due to demyelination of nerves.

5. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or Stroke: Sudden onset of numbness, especially if accompanied by other neurological symptoms (like weakness, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping), could indicate a TIA or stroke. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

6. Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors can also manifest physically, leading to sensations of numbness or tingling, often referred to as paresthesia. This is usually temporary and resolves with relaxation techniques.

Given that you have experienced numbness for several days, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies, MRI of the cervical spine, or blood tests to check for underlying conditions.
In the meantime, you can take some steps to alleviate symptoms:
- Posture: Ensure that your posture is correct, especially if you are sitting for long periods. Poor posture can lead to nerve compression.

- Ergonomics: If you work at a computer, ensure that your workstation is ergonomically set up to reduce strain on your neck and arms.

- Stretching and Strengthening: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck and upper back can help relieve tension and improve circulation.

- Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the neck and shoulders may help relax tight muscles that could be compressing nerves.

In summary, while there are several potential causes for the numbness you are experiencing, it is essential to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, especially if the underlying cause is serious.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Left Head Pain and Hand Numbness

Hello Doctor: My irregular sleep schedule has been ongoing for about six years, compounded by significant stress from university exams. In mid-May of this year, I suddenly experienced a ringing in my left ear, followed by a brief episode of numbness in my left face, which resolve...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Irene, The description you provided, "lying on your side using your left hand to use your phone, and then experiencing numbness in your entire left arm the following morning that has not improved," may suggest symptoms related to cervical spine issues. Additio...

Understanding Numbness in Left Hand and Occipital Area: Causes and Insights

The left hand has been feeling numb for several days, and tonight the back of the head suddenly feels numb as well. I would like to know what could be causing this.

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Ke, You may need to consider cervical nerve root compression, which is often related to tightness in the cervical muscles and fascia, as well as cervical degeneration. Symptoms typically include pain at the affected site, discomfort, muscle stiffness, and possibly neuro...

Understanding Numbness in the Left Hand: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor: In the past few days, I have been experiencing frequent numbness in my left hand, similar to the sensation of pressure for too long, leading to poor circulation. I am a bit concerned that I might be having a stroke (or have already had one). Recently, I have been ta...

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Internal Medicine
The most common cause of hand numbness is "carpal tunnel syndrome," which occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This condition is often seen in pregnant women, typists, workers who frequently twist their wrists, computer user...

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...