Finger Tingling: Causes and When to Seek Help

Numbness in the fingertips?

Hello, doctor.
For the past three days, I have been experiencing a sensation in the fingertips of both hands (more so in the right hand) that feels like there is a foreign object present, intermittently.
Occasionally, I also feel a tingling sensation, like an electric current, on the back of my hands and fingers.
The left hand experiences this as well, but to a lesser extent.
I'm unsure if I'm being overly sensitive.
Sometimes, I also feel a similar electric sensation on my skin in my feet.
I have been taking B vitamins, but it doesn't seem to have much effect.
I do not feel overly fatigued or dizzy.
Could this be a manifestation of autonomic nervous system dysfunction? If there is no improvement in a few days, should I seek medical attention? Thank you.

A-Jia, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/26

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Mr.
A-Jia,
You mentioned that "sometimes there is, sometimes there isn't...
occasionally feeling like an electric current flowing through the back of the hand and fingers," which may suggest a peripheral nerve issue.
Common causes include sensory nerve abnormalities, such as those seen in diabetic patients, nerve root compression due to herniated discs, renal failure patients, stroke survivors, or individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Peripheral nerve problems caused by systemic diseases (such as diabetes, chemotherapy, or vitamin deficiencies) are often symmetrical.
Symptoms of peripheral nerve abnormalities typically include:
1.
Pain characterized by burning or tingling sensations.
2.
Symptoms with a specific dermatomal distribution, which can be triggered by touch or pressure.
3.
Accompanied by muscle weakness or fatigue.
Diagnosis of peripheral nerve issues often involves electrophysiological studies.
Nerve conduction studies assess the transmission speed and waveform of large fiber nerves, while electromyography evaluates muscle responses in the affected nerve distribution areas.
Regarding your mention of "autonomic nervous system dysfunction," it seems less directly related.
The autonomic nervous system is regulated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems—one accelerates (gas pedal), and the other decelerates (brake).
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, increasing heart rate, breathing rate, and sweating during physical activity.
Once the activity ceases, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, slowing the heart rate, reducing breathing rate, and decreasing sweating.
The autonomic nervous system is closely linked to the body's temperature regulation, appetite, thirst, wakefulness and sleep, emotions, and visceral sensations.
I recommend consulting a neurologist specializing in peripheral nerve disorders, as they have more experience with electromyography diagnostics.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have further questions, feel free to discuss them.
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Jun-Yi
Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2023/04/26

More Info

Finger tingling, or paresthesia, can be a perplexing symptom that may arise from various underlying conditions. In your case, the tingling sensation in your fingers, particularly in your right hand, along with the occasional electric-like feeling in your hands and feet, could be attributed to several factors.
One common cause of finger tingling is nerve compression or irritation. This can occur due to repetitive motions, such as typing or using a mouse, which may lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed, resulting in tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand. Given your description of symptoms, it might be worth considering if your activities could be contributing to nerve compression.

Another potential cause could be peripheral neuropathy, which is often associated with conditions such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins), or even alcohol use. Since you mentioned taking B vitamins without much effect, it may be less likely that a deficiency is the primary issue, but it’s still worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Additionally, your symptoms could be related to anxiety or stress, which can lead to autonomic nervous system dysregulation. This can manifest as physical symptoms, including tingling sensations. If you are experiencing heightened stress or anxiety, this could be contributing to your symptoms.

In some cases, conditions affecting the cervical spine, such as herniated discs or cervical radiculopathy, can also lead to tingling sensations in the hands. This occurs when nerves that exit the spinal column become compressed or irritated.

Given that your symptoms have persisted for three days, it is advisable to monitor them closely. If the tingling worsens, becomes persistent, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as weakness, loss of coordination, or changes in vision, it would be prudent to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, nerve conduction studies, or imaging studies to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

In summary, while finger tingling can stem from various causes, including nerve compression, peripheral neuropathy, or stress-related issues, it is essential to pay attention to the duration and severity of your symptoms. If there is no improvement in a few days or if you experience additional symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional would be the best course of action to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

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