What Causes Numbness In Left Arm?

Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife had numbness in the full length of her left arm for approx. 3 minutes

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
though not an immediate concern, needs attention..

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

From what I understand, she had abrupt onset numbness on the left arm that resolved spontaneously. Now if she has no symptoms, you need not be alarmed. However I recommend you not to ignore it. Possibilities of transient ischemic attack (TIA) should be excluded.

I would order MRI of the brain and cervical spine screening. And if they are normal, I will start her on antiplatelets to prevent future incidences. She will also need risk factor screening for atherosclerosis.

Please do not ignore her symptom. Encourage her to visit her physician at the earliest.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar