[54F] Experiencing numbness, tingling, and pain in both arms

Patient Description

A 54-year-old female has been experiencing numbness, tingling, and pain in her right arm and hand for the past three weeks, which has now started affecting her other arm as well. The numbness affects all fingers, and the fingertips feel hard. The tingling is constant, burns, and worsens when lying down or using the affected arm. She has also noticed significant weakness in her right arm and hand, affecting her grip and ability to perform tasks. Additionally, she has been running a low-grade fever that fluctuates but never exceeds 100.03°F. Her medical history includes Bipolar Disorder, diagnosed in 2000. She is currently on Prozac (40mg daily) and Abilify (5mg daily), occasionally takes Tylenol, and is allergic to Penicillin. No recent changes in medication or new over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements have been reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand. It's often associated with repetitive activities involving the hand or wrist.

    • Treatment typically involves wrist splints, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This is a result of damage to your peripheral nerves, often causing weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can be due to various causes including systemic diseases, vitamin deficiency, medication effects, and alcoholism.

    • Treatment focuses on managing the condition causing your neuropathy and relieving symptoms. This can involve medications, topical treatments, and physical therapy.
  • Cervical Radiculopathy: This occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes inflamed or damaged, resulting in a change in neurological function. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.

    • Treatment can involve physical therapy, medications, and possibly surgery.
  • Multiple Sclerosis: This is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, tingling or pain, and unsteady gait.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to slow the disease's progression and manage symptoms.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and these conditions have other symptoms not mentioned in your description.

What you can do

Given the duration and severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. They can perform a physical examination and possibly order tests such as blood tests, nerve conduction studies, or imaging studies to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
  2. In the meantime, try to rest your arms and avoid activities that seem to worsen your symptoms.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as the Tylenol you're already taking, may help alleviate some of your discomfort.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms rapidly worsen
  • You experience sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body
  • You have difficulty walking or lose balance
  • You experience severe neck pain

Remember, I am an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common causes of numbness and tingling in the arms and hands?

Common causes of numbness and tingling in the arms and hands include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Peripheral Neuropathy, Cervical Radiculopathy, and Multiple Sclerosis. These conditions can result from nerve compression, nerve damage, or systemic diseases.


How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosed and treated?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is diagnosed through a physical examination, patient history, and sometimes nerve conduction studies. Treatment may involve wrist splints, activity modification, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.


What are the symptoms and treatment options for Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms include weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms, which may involve medications, topical treatments, and physical therapy.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for arm and hand symptoms?

Immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms rapidly worsen, if there is sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty walking, loss of balance, or severe neck pain.


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4 Comments


Janice#4034

8 mo ago

The tingling and pain does sound lke carpal tunnel but persistent low-grade fever is quite odd. Did a doctor ever explain that part to you?

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Anonymous#9898

8 mo ago

No I just got some lab work back and my ana+ rheumatoid factor was out of range and I've also got some other weird out of range results like my kappa lt chains and lambda lt chains were high, not sure what that all means but I am going to see my PCP Tuesday

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Janice#4034

8 mo ago

I see. I heard that ANA and RF are often elevated in rheumatoid arthritis but not necessarily diagnostic because they can also be present in other autoimmune conditions and even healthy people. I had an elevated RF at one point and freaked out but 6 months later it was normal again. The kappa and lambda chains to my knowledge are parts of antibodies in your blood. Elevated levels can suggest inflammation or immune cell hyper-activity. The ratio is also important in figuring out exactly what's going on.

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Janice#4034

8 mo ago

By the way I don't know if you already know but you can interpret your lab tests on this website by starting a new chat and clicking "explain result" or "following up" on your original conversation. You just have to paste it in though, I wish they could allow document uploads

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