Tingling in hand
definition
Tingling in the hand is a sensory disorder that can occur from irritation or damage to a nerve. The disturbed transmission of information through the nerve creates an unpleasant feeling such as tingling, "pins and needles" or numbness. This sensory disturbance can also be accompanied by pain.
The reasons
There are several possible causes that can cause tingling in the hand. It can be a bottleneck syndrome, also called compression syndrome. One of the three supplying nerves of the hand is constricted along its course by anatomical structures and thereby damaged. One of the most common bottleneck syndromes is carpal tunnel syndrome.
Circulatory disorders in the arm or fingers can also lead to sensitivity disorders. However, the cause can also be central. A herniated disc, but also inflammatory diseases or circulatory disorders in the brain, can cause tingling in the hand. If you have a new sensitivity disturbance you should see a doctor.
The carpal tunnel syndrome as the cause of the tingling sensation in the hand
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve, one of the nerves supplying the hand. This is restricted by a band in the area of the wrist and thus damaged. The cause can be overwork, chronic inflammation, for example in rheumatoid arthritis, or unknown (idiopathic).
Risk factors include familial susceptibility, diabetes mellitus and an underactive thyroid among others. Often it also occurs during pregnancy due to water retention. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are primarily nocturnal pain and tingling on the palm side of the thumb, index finger and middle finger. Most of the time, shaking your hand will improve symptoms. Both hands can be affected and if the symptoms persist for a long time, the muscles of the ball of the thumb can break down.
If symptoms are minor, pain medication can be taken and a night splint can be used. In many cases, the ligament on the wrist must be surgically split.
Read more on the subject here: The carpal tunnel syndrome.
Tingling in the hand from the herniated disc of the cervical spine
A herniated disc causes pressure on the spinal cord as the disc slides.This damages the nerves and causes symptoms such as shooting, electrifying pain and sensitivity disorders. These can manifest themselves in the form of tingling sensations and abnormal sensations.
Further symptoms are a decrease in strength up to muscle paralysis and decreased reflexes. The symptoms always affect the nerve supply area (dermatome) of the damaged spinal cord. Sensory disorders of the hand can occur due to a herniated disc at the level of the cervical vertebrae C6 to C8. If you suspect a herniated disc of the cervical spine, you should see a doctor.
The symptoms of a herniated disc? Get information here.
Tingling in the hand as a result of polyneuropathy
Polyneuropathy occurs when the nerves of the extremities are damaged due to a disease. The most common causes are diabetes mellitus, alcohol addiction, medication, autoimmune or inflammatory. The symptoms are usually symmetrical and divided into stockings or gloves.
Typically, loss of sensitivity such as tingling, "pins and needles", numbness, but also reduced temperature and vibration sensation occur. The therapy of polyneuropathy consists in the treatment of the underlying disease. Normal painkillers are not symptomatic. Epilepsy drugs, antidepressants, or opioids can be used for this type of pain.
Find out more about the topic here: The polyneuropathy.
The accompanying symptoms
At the same time as the tingling sensation, other symptoms can occur depending on the cause. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, as described above, additional pain and, after a longer course, a breakdown of the ball of the thumb muscles can occur.
In the case of a herniated disc, the symptoms are usually not limited to the hand but also exist on the forearm. In addition to the paresthesia, a decrease in strength and decreased reflexes can occur. If you suddenly experience a sensory disturbance with symptoms of paralysis, you should immediately think of a stroke and see a doctor directly.
The pain in my hand
Acute hand pain can occur due to both arterial and venous circulatory disorders. An arterial circulation disorder causes acute pain, paleness, movement disorders and sensitivity disorders. The hand becomes cold because the blood supply is not guaranteed. In the case of a venous circulatory disorder, the return of the blood is disturbed, so that the hand is painful, heated and swollen.
If you have a circulatory disorder, you should consult a doctor immediately. Another cause of hand pain is Raynaud's syndrome. This leads to a painful fading of the fingers in cold or stress. The fingers can then turn blue and then red and warm.
For detailed information on this topic, see: Pain in hand
The diagnosis
In order to make a diagnosis of sensitivity disorders in the hand, the description of the symptoms (anamnesis) and the physical examination are important. The test of sensitivity, vibration perception, temperature perception, motor skills and reflexes are essential.
If nerve damage is suspected, neurophysiological examinations are carried out. The nerve conduction velocity (NLG) is measured once and an electromyography (EMG) is carried out to assess muscle damage. These examinations can be used to define the type of damage and narrow down the possible causes. If a herniated disc is suspected, imaging can be performed, preferably magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Also read the articles:
- The nerve conduction velocity
- Electromyography
The treatment
Treatment for tingling in the hand differs depending on the cause. In the case of a herniated disc, symptomatic painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be taken and physiotherapy can be carried out. In very pronounced cases, surgical therapy can be considered.
In polyneuropathy, the treatment of the underlying disease is important and special pain relievers are symptomatic. Immediate blood thinning and pain relievers are important for circulatory disorders. Here, too, you have to proceed surgically if the findings are pronounced.
As explained above, the carpal tunnel syndrome is treated with painkillers and a night splint. If the symptoms persist or the course is severe, the ligament may split.
The splint for tingling in the hand
The splint in carpal tunnel syndrome is intended to stabilize the wrist during the night so that it does not kink. This protects the nerve on the wrist. At the same time, a short-term use of painkillers or Korison can be helpful. There is also the option of using a cortisone syringe in the carpal tunnel. Sometimes a splint is recommended for immobilization after the operation.
For more information, see: The splint for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The duration
The duration of the complaints varies greatly from person to person. With mild symptoms and conservative therapy with the splint and medication, the symptoms can disappear within days to weeks.
After a surgical treatment, the pain improves immediately and the sensitivity disorders in days to weeks.
Prognosis
Over 80% of patients experience an improvement in symptoms after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. However, up to 3% of patients can experience renewed symptoms. Mostly the reason for this is an incomplete severance of the wrist band. The local cortisone injection has a stronger effect than the oral cortisone intake, but the splint and the operation are superior in the long term.
The prognosis for polyneuropathy varies greatly from person to person. The symptoms usually recede slowly and some residual symptoms remain.
Can this also be an indication of a heart attack?
A tingling sensation in the hand is not a classic symptom of a heart attack. Typically, patients experience chest pain that can radiate to the left shoulder and left arm. Often it is also described as a feeling of pressure or tightness. Cold sweats, nausea, vomiting, as well as anxiety or shortness of breath can also occur. A radiation of the pain to the right half of the body is also possible.
Sensitivity disorders are not a typical symptom, although there can always be individual differences between patients. Immediate presentation to the emergency room is necessary if a heart attack is suspected.
Here you can find more information on the topic: The symptoms of a heart attack.
During pregnancy
Due to the hormone-dependent weight gain and water retention, the median nerve in the wrist can be constricted and cause carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms can also occur on both sides. If you are pregnant you should always consult a doctor before taking any medication, as some pain relievers are not suitable during pregnancy. A special wrist splint for symptom relief can be worn at night. A local cortisone injection in the carpal tunnel can also alleviate the symptoms.
Find out all about the topic here: Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy.
