prolonged hand numbness

What could be the cause of prolonged numbness and pins & needles sensations in my left hand and what should I do about it?

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

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.

Hand numbness can be a result of many reasons. It can be a peripheral cause (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, etc) or a central cause (e.g., stroke, migraine, etc). If you have risk factors such as smoking/alcohol abuse, high blood sugars/pressure/cholesterol, prior stroke, family history of stroke, etc, you should be evaluated urgently to rule out stroke especially if it was sudden onset. You will need a CT of your head and perhaps an MRI based on the findings. If this evaluation is negative, you should see a neurologist to have a thorough clinical examination for localization of the source of the hand pain. (The hand is supplied by three different nerves). Also an EMG/NCS should be performed to further evaluate your hand for a peripheral cause.

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