[43M] Experiencing numbness in left wrist and hand

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand. It's caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel.

  • Treatment often involves wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, to keep your wrist in a neutral position. In more severe cases, surgery may be required.

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This results from damage to your peripheral nerves, which often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands. It can be due to traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins.

  • Treatment usually involves managing the condition that's causing your neuropathy. In some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Other times, your doctor might prescribe medications or therapies to help manage your symptoms.

• Stroke: Although less likely given your age and the isolated nature of your symptoms, a stroke could potentially cause sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. However, strokes usually present with other symptoms as well, such as confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, difficulty seeing, difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or a severe headache.

  • Treatment for a stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

What you can do

1. If you believe you may be having a stroke, seek immediate medical attention.
2. If your symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention.
3. Try to avoid activities that could be causing or worsening your symptoms, such as repetitive wrist movements.
4. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate some of your symptoms.

What you should look out for

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
• Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause

Please note that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.