What Causes Numbness In Right Hand?

Posted on Tue, 25 Feb 2014

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

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 Answered on

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, when I wake up my right hand is completely numb. It has been happening repeatedly, nearly every day. When I make a fist several times the numbness goes away. I do not take any medication apart from asprin. In July 2013 I had radio frequency ablation for AF and appear to be cured after that event. Apart from the numb hand I am in good health and not over weight. Also, I do not sleep on my right side so position is not causing the numbness? Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Possible trapped nerve. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From your description of your problem, you may be suffering from a trapped nerve. This may be at the elbow. When you wake up and move your arm this relieves the pressure on the nerve and the numbness goes away. I suggest you consult a neurologist who may wish to scan your arm or perform nerve conduction studies. In the meantime, you could try sleeping with your arm in various positions to see if there are any differences with the numbness. I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB FRCA

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

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (2 hours later)

Hi, thank you for your reply. I have also been experiencing a slight tingly feeling in both hands. It is a weird feeling to wake up with a totally numb hand could a nerve affect both hands?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Possible carpel tunnel syndrome. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for this additional information. A tingling in both hands could be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. This is compression of a nerve at the wrist and can happen in one or both hands. It can be managed with wrist supports worn at night. More severe or recurrent symptoms can be treated with a minor operation. A neurologist will be able to confirm the diagnosis. I hope this is of help to you. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger

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

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (16 hours later)

Thank you for your reply

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Thank you Detailed Answer: Hi, I hope you feel better soon. If you have no further questions, you may close the query. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger

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