For example, a nerve may be compressed in the neck, and then again further down the arm, for example at the wrist. Sometimes, a nerve may suffer from pressure at more than one area. The pattern or zone of the numbness is often very distinct for each nerve root affected. Decreased reflexes in the arm and forearm may also result from pressure on certain specific nerves in the neck. Weakness and/or wasting of muscles supplied by that nerve may be found. Diseases, infections, tumors, blood vessels abnormalities, and other conditions of the spinal cord itself, in the neck, can cause pressure on the cord, which may result in numbness, tingling, or aching in the arm, forearm or hand. Arthritis may cause bone spurs or narrowing of the spinal canal, causing pressure on nerves, or degenerating discs may press directly on the nerves at the spinal column or as they leave the spinal column and pass to the upper limbs. Pressure on nerves in the neck (C6-T1) can be caused by numerous conditions. Nerves in the hands and forearm have their roots in the neck. Compression neuropathies may require surgery to release pressure on the nerve(s) to get relief. If the median nerve (see Figure 1) is compressed at or just below the elbow, numbness is felt not only in the same area as in CTS but also over the palm at the base of the thumb. Pressure on the radial nerve (see Figure 1) in the forearm or above the wrist can cause numbness over the back of the thumb, the index finger, and the web between these two digits. Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow causes not only the numbness noted above, but also numbness on the back of the ulnar side of the hand. Ulnar nerve compression at the wrist causes numbness and tingling of the little finger, part of the ring finger, and the little finger side (ulnar side) of the palm. The pressure may come from injury, thickened muscles, bands of connective tissue, enlarged blood vessels, ganglion cysts, or arthritic spurs. Also, the muscles that are controlled by the compressed nerve may exhibit weakness, wasting, or twitching. Local pressure on a nerve (“compression neuropathy”) causes numbness in distinct patterns that follow the area supplied by that nerve (see diagrams). These symptoms can be caused by many other conditions. Most of the lay public and some of the medical community are not aware of other causes, so numbness, tingling and pain may be mistakenly thought to be coming from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Numbness and tingling? It may not be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).Īlthough carpal tunnel syndrome is common, it is not the only cause of numbness, tingling, and pain in the forearm and hand. Billing, Insurance & Financial Assistance.Approach to the patient with sensory loss. In: Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Cervical spondylosis (arthritis of the neck).Signs and symptoms of adult brain and spinal cord tumors.Paraneoplastic syndromes of the nervous system.Possible causes of numbness in one or both of your hands include: Brain and nervous system conditions A variety of tests may be needed to confirm the cause before treatment can begin. Your doctor needs detailed information about your symptoms to diagnose the cause of numbness. Numbness alone isn't usually associated with potentially dangerous disorders, such as strokes or tumors. When this happens, arm or hand weakness or loss of function also occurs. Uncommonly, numbness may be caused by problems in your brain or spinal cord.
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