what could it be

[polly78]

I have had pins and needles in my little finger and ring finger on my left hand for 5 days now, it gets worse as i use my hand and arm. I have also lost continence in my sleep and not been aware till i wake in the morning

[CCFNeuroMD JT, MD]

Dear polly78,

Thank you very much for your question. I am happy to address the issues that you pose, although it is important that you recognize that my impression is based entirely on the information you have provided in your posting and is by no means a replacement for an office visit with a neurologist.  Diagnosis is contingent on detailed history and physical exam and as such, the following information should be considered solely for educational purposes.

The numbness/tingling in the pinky and ring finger you are experiencing may reflect damage or entrapment of the ulnar nerve (one of the three main nerves of the upper extremity).  As the ulnar nerve travels down the arm, there are a few areas in particular that it can become entrapped.  One common place for this to happen is at the elbow and when this occurs, a "cubital tunnel syndrome" may result.  As the nerve travels towards the hand.  At the level of the hand, the nerve traverses through a tunnel formed by the hamate and pisiform bones of the hand (AKA Guyon's canal) and it is at this location that the nerve becomes vulnerable to damage, usually in association with a fall or a wrist fracture.  If the nerve is caught at the elbow, sometimes pushing on the nerve tunnel at the elbow may reproduce the symptoms.  Nerve damage can be further characterized by a needle EMG exam and nerve conduction studies.  Should your symptoms persist, I would recommend paying a visit to a neurologist who can offer a more definite diagnosis.

With respect to your urinary incontinence, this is likely unrelated.  Whenever a youngish individual  experiences more than one neurologic deficit, there is concern for a disease know as multiple sclerosis.  However, the hand problem sounds like it involves more of the peripheral nerve and not the brain so I am not entirely convinced that these represent two central nervous system problems and MS is thus not likely.  At any rate, you should see a neurologist who can sort out the details during the office visit.  A visit with either your gynecologist or a urologist may also be appropriate.

Thank you for your question and I hope I've provided you with some useful information.

Sincerely,
JBT, MD

[Suzie9]

It could be one of hundreds of things.Have you seen a doctor yet?
I will not pretend to know anything about these things but from what i'm learning there are so many things that cause these kind of symtoms.The loss of continence sound's like something you should definitely get checked out and along side paraethesia i'm sure a dr would want to do some tests to see what is going on.

I have had paraesthisia in my spine  but no other symptoms and after two MRI's was found to have areas of high attenuation consistant with demyelination.The doctor said he thinks they may be lesions like seen in MS but they are checking for Devic's disease,C.I.S, which is a clinically isolated syndrome of MS and infection.

Not like your symtoms but from what i've seen MS is the most common neurolgical disorder in young people,but like i said there are so many things it could be.

The process of testing of things like this can take a long time,months to years,so the sooner you get checked out the sooner you will be to knowing what is going on.

My only advice would be to push for things to be done.Phone up and hassle for results,i got my MRI pushed forward by phoning up.

Most people on here are not medical proffessionals though so getting checked out by someone who really knows what they are talking about is the most important thing,though chating on here can help make you feel better.

Sorry i couldn't be more help.

Let me know how you get on.

Suzie.