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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffNumbness in hands describes a loss of sensation or feeling in your hands or fingers. Numbness in hands is usually caused by irritation or compression of a branch of a nerve traveling to the arms, hands or fingers. Numbness in hands may be accompanied by tingling, burning, weakness or sometimes sharp pain. If you experience hand numbness, consult with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
In some cases, numbness in hands is associated with life-threatening diseases, such as a stroke. Get emergency medical help if your hand numbness:
- Begins suddenly
- Involves a whole arm
- Is accompanied by weakness or paralysis, confusion, difficulty talking, dizziness, or a sudden, severe headache
- Aminoff MJ, et al. Numbness, tingling and sensory loss. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2886804. Accessed Feb. 16, 2009.
- Rowin J, et al. Proprioception, touch and vibratory sensation. In: Goetz CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/120727002-9/805000384/1488/172.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3618-0..10019-0_1023. Accessed Feb. 16, 2009.
- Rosenfeld J, et al. Numbness: A practical guide for family physicians. American Academy of Neurology. http://www.aan.com/familypractice/pdf/FINAL%20NUMBNESS%203.pdf. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
- Briemberg HR, et al. Approach to the patient with sensory loss. http://www.uptodate.com/ome/index.html. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
- Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
- Raynaud's syndrome. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4687. Accessed Feb. 16, 2009.
- NINDS brachial plexus injuries information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brachial_plexus/brachial_plexus.htm. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
- What you need to know about stroke. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke_needtoknow.htm. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
