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When to see a doctor
By Mayo Clinic staffIt's important to determine the cause of numbness in hands. If numbness persists or spreads to other parts of your body, consult your doctor for an evaluation. Treatment of numbness in hands depends on the underlying cause.
Call 911 or get emergency medical help if your numbness:
- Begins suddenly
- Involves a whole arm
- Is accompanied by weakness or paralysis, confusion, difficulty talking, dizziness, or a sudden, severe headache
Schedule an office visit if your numbness:
- Begins or worsens gradually and persists
- Spreads to other parts of the body
- Affects both sides of the body
- Comes and goes
- Seems related to certain tasks or activities, particularly repetitive motions
- Affects only a part of a limb, such as a finger
- 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.
