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Numbness in left hand

What might cause numbness in the 2 far left fingers and left side of my left hand?
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Avatar universal
Cathy, my fingers started like this and ended up like I have posted below.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Neurology/I-seriously-need-some-help-Body-Numbness/show/1451189

please post if your symptoms have any changes.
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

I am not sure which two fingers you are describing but I will discuss one possibility here. Sensory changes in the pinky and ringer finger can due to a condition called ulnar neuropathy. This nerve (i.e., ulnar nerve) is also known as your “funny bone” when tapped or hit at the elbow. It has several sites of compression along its course – one site being at the elbow. Classically, it is compressed in the truck driver who rests elbow on window/door. It should also be mentioned that with rapid weight gain or weight loss, the ulnar nerve or median nerve (which causes carpal tunnel syndrome) can be compressed and cause their neuropathies.  

I recommend that you follow up with your local neurologist. He/she will perform a specific neurological examination. Depending on the examination, you may need an MRI of your neck to evaluate for herniated disc, etc. The neurologist may also elect to perform an EMG/NCS to evaluate the motor and sensory components of the ulnar nerve as it travels.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

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