[20F] Experiencing numbness and tingling in hands with associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 20-year-old female reports numbness and tingling in the inner three fingers and thumb of both hands for approximately one week. The numbness is described as a loss of sensation, and the tingling comes and goes, sometimes accompanied by wrist pain. The patient also experiences weakness in the wrists and hands, rating it as 4 out of 10 in severity. The symptoms are exacerbated by Fowler's position. Additionally, the patient mentions dull lower back pain, which is considered period-related and started today. Other symptoms include headaches, constipation, cold extremities, lack of appetite, and possible dehydration. The patient has also recently slipped and hit hard, which could be related to the current symptoms. No interventions have been reported to relieve the numbness.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs the length of the arm, goes through a passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, and ends in the hand. The median nerve controls the movement and feeling of your thumb, and also the movement of all your fingers except your pinky. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm.

    • Treatment often involves wrist splinting, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This group of disorders occurs when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers.

    • Treatment usually involves physical therapy and pain relief measures. Most people improve with these approaches.
  • Dehydration: If you're not drinking enough fluids, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. Severe dehydration can lead to numbness and tingling in various parts of the body.

    • Treatment involves rehydrating the body by drinking fluids or, in severe cases, receiving fluids intravenously.

What you can do

  1. Try to rest your wrists and avoid activities that may worsen your symptoms.
  2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.
  3. Try to maintain a balanced diet to ensure you're getting the necessary nutrients your body needs.
  4. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with your back pain.

Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or you experience severe pain, loss of sensation, or inability to move your fingers or hand, seek immediate medical attention. Also, if you become severely dehydrated and experience symptoms such as extreme thirst, lack of urination, rapid heartbeat, or lightheadedness, seek medical help immediately.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm, particularly affecting the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. Symptoms often worsen at night or with activities that involve bending the wrist.


How can dehydration lead to numbness and tingling in the body?

Dehydration can lead to numbness and tingling because it affects the body's electrolyte balance, which is crucial for nerve function. Severe dehydration can impair nerve signaling, leading to these sensations.


What are some effective treatments for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Effective treatments for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome typically include physical therapy to improve posture and strengthen shoulder muscles, pain relief measures such as medications or heat therapy, and in some cases, surgery to relieve compression.


When should I seek medical attention for numbness and tingling in my hands?

You should seek medical attention if the numbness and tingling worsen, if you experience severe pain, loss of sensation, or inability to move your fingers or hand. Additionally, if you have symptoms of severe dehydration like extreme thirst, lack of urination, rapid heartbeat, or lightheadedness, seek medical help immediately.


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