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Neurology (Expert Forum)
I have had numbness and tingling in
Answered by
Lama Chahine, MD - Neurology
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland - OH
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Doctor's Answer
by Lama Chahine, MD, Jul 21, 2008 07:48PM
, Jul 21, 2008 07:48PM
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 your doctor.
Without the ability to review your medical history and examine you personally, I can not provide you with a diagnosis nor suggest treatment for your symptoms. However, I will try to provide you with some information regarding possible causes of your symptoms.
One condition that comes to mind is somewhat similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. It is called ulnar neuropathy. The ulnar nerve supplies innervation to some of the muscles and the skin on the side of the arm closer to the body (the "medial" forearm and hand), including the pinky and ring finger. Ulnar neuropathy is a type of irritation of the ulnar nerve.. Ulnar neuropathy causes numbness, tingling, or pain into the arm and hand on the side of the little finger. This is sometimes called "handlebar palsy", because it frequently happens in bicyclists who sustain repeated shocks and bouncing that can occur while holding the handlebars when riding. Other activities that involve stress on the hands and wrists may also irritate the ulnar nerve and cause ulnar neuropathy.
Another possible cause of your symptoms include a herniated disc affecting a portion of the nerves that eventually form the ulnar nerve (specifically the area involved would be a nerve root, the C8/T1 nerve root). Other areas that could be affected is what is called the brachial plexus, a collection of nerves near the collar bone and armpit that eventually move down the arm to form the nerves that innervate the pinky finger and ring finger etc.
You would benefit from evaluation by a neurologist. After obtaining a history and physical examination, he/she will be able to determine whether or not you need further testing.
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.
Without the ability to review your medical history and examine you personally, I can not provide you with a diagnosis nor suggest treatment for your symptoms. However, I will try to provide you with some information regarding possible causes of your symptoms.
One condition that comes to mind is somewhat similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. It is called ulnar neuropathy. The ulnar nerve supplies innervation to some of the muscles and the skin on the side of the arm closer to the body (the "medial" forearm and hand), including the pinky and ring finger. Ulnar neuropathy is a type of irritation of the ulnar nerve.. Ulnar neuropathy causes numbness, tingling, or pain into the arm and hand on the side of the little finger. This is sometimes called "handlebar palsy", because it frequently happens in bicyclists who sustain repeated shocks and bouncing that can occur while holding the handlebars when riding. Other activities that involve stress on the hands and wrists may also irritate the ulnar nerve and cause ulnar neuropathy.
Another possible cause of your symptoms include a herniated disc affecting a portion of the nerves that eventually form the ulnar nerve (specifically the area involved would be a nerve root, the C8/T1 nerve root). Other areas that could be affected is what is called the brachial plexus, a collection of nerves near the collar bone and armpit that eventually move down the arm to form the nerves that innervate the pinky finger and ring finger etc.
You would benefit from evaluation by a neurologist. After obtaining a history and physical examination, he/she will be able to determine whether or not you need further testing.
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.
