Numbness in the Left Hand: Causes and Concerns

Numbness in the hands?

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 taking medication for nail fungus; I wonder if this could be related.
Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Wingfull, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/08

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 users, and homemakers.
Some individuals experience mild symptoms that can resolve with rest or changes in work habits.
However, in severe cases, if muscle atrophy occurs at the base of the thumb, leading to an inability to grip, surgical intervention may be necessary.

In older adults, another common cause of hand numbness is "cervical radiculopathy," which results from cervical spine degeneration (bone spurs) that narrows the intervertebral foramen and compresses the cervical nerve roots.
Some hand numbness may also be due to "muscle soreness and fatigue," which can improve with pain relief medication.
Additionally, hand numbness can arise from anxiety or psychosomatic disorders, or from poor peripheral blood circulation, necessitating investigation into the underlying causes of the circulatory issues.
Another, less common but more serious cause of hand numbness is "stroke or other lesions in the brain's sensory cortex and thalamus," such as brain tumors or multiple sclerosis.
If left untreated, symptoms may worsen over time, with numbness spreading to the entire hand and possibly affecting the same side of the face.

As for whether medications can cause hand numbness, a differential diagnosis by a physician is required for the aforementioned issues, and it is advisable to bring current medications for evaluation during the consultation.

Reply Date: 2006/05/08

More Info

Numbness in the left hand can be concerning, especially if it is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms. The sensation you describe, similar to when a limb "falls asleep," can arise from various causes, some of which may warrant immediate medical attention.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that numbness in the hand can result from nerve compression, poor circulation, or neurological issues. Common conditions that can lead to numbness include carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, or ulnar nerve entrapment, which affects the ring and little fingers. These conditions are often associated with repetitive hand movements or prolonged positions that put pressure on the nerves.

In your case, the fact that you are experiencing numbness specifically in the left hand raises some concerns, particularly regarding the possibility of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. While it is less common for a stroke to present solely as numbness in one hand, it is not impossible, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping. If you have any of these additional symptoms, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care immediately.

Regarding your concern about the medication for fungal nails, it is essential to consider that certain medications can have side effects that might affect circulation or nerve function. However, without specific details about the medication you are taking, it is challenging to determine if there is a direct link to your symptoms. It would be advisable to discuss this with your prescribing physician, who can provide insights based on your medical history and the specific medication involved.

Additionally, other potential causes of numbness could include vitamin deficiencies (such as B12 deficiency), diabetes (which can lead to peripheral neuropathy), or even anxiety and stress, which can manifest physically in various ways, including numbness or tingling sensations.

To address your concerns effectively, I recommend the following steps:
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given the nature of your symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and possibly order diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies or imaging studies (like an MRI) to assess for any underlying issues.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of when the numbness occurs, how long it lasts, and any associated symptoms. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in diagnosing the issue.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: If your numbness is related to posture or repetitive movements, consider making ergonomic adjustments to your workspace or daily activities. Taking regular breaks and stretching can help alleviate nerve compression.

4. Nutritional Assessment: If you suspect a vitamin deficiency, discuss this with your doctor, who may recommend dietary changes or supplements.

5. Emergency Care: If you experience sudden onset numbness, especially if it is accompanied by weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

In conclusion, while numbness in the left hand can be benign, it can also indicate more serious conditions. It is crucial to seek medical advice to rule out any significant issues, especially given your concerns about stroke. Your health and safety should always be the priority, and timely intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Left-Side Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello Dr. Jiang, I would like to ask about a condition I've been experiencing recently. For the past few days, when I wake up in the morning, I feel numbness from my left elbow to my fingers, and also from my left ankle to my toes. Today, I even felt numbness in my left face...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello Ms. Liu, You mentioned that "the left elbow to the fingers often feels numb," which may suggest a common condition of ulnar nerve compression. However, you also noted that "even the left side of the face feels numb, and there are involuntary twitching episod...

Understanding Persistent Left-Sided Numbness: Causes and Concerns

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 out...

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)....

Persistent Numbness and Swelling in Left Hand: Causes and Solutions

I have been experiencing numbness and swelling in the palm of my left hand, particularly in my little finger and ring finger, with the little finger being more severely affected, although there is no visible swelling. This has resulted in a lack of sensation in my little finger, ...

Dr. Huang Junxiong reply Surgery
Hello: Your issue may be peripheral ulnar neuropathy. It is advisable for you to seek treatment at a neurology clinic as soon as possible. Thank you.

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...