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What Could Cause Persistent Tingling Sensation In The Right Arm Which Isn't Recovering On Its Own?
Posted on
Wed, 30 May 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 30 May 2018
Answered on
Thu, 14 Mar 2024
Last reviewed on
Question : My right arm has tingling like it's asleep. I woke up with it that way and it doesn't seem like it's getting better.
Brief Answer:
Nerve compression during the night more likely, but stroke to be excluded
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
If the symptoms include only your arm then the likely cause is a peripheral nerve issue. Given the fact that it appeared upon awakening a nerve compression due to some abnormal posture during sleep would be the most likely cause. It is a benign issue which usually disappears gradually, though it may take some days, even weeks at times. If persisting a test called nerve conduction studies may be scheduled to confirm the diagnosis and degree of damage.
That being the most likely cause, one must however consider other possibilities as well. The other possibility to be excluded would be that of a stroke. If symptoms are limited to your arm (not including face and lower limb) and there is no weakness or other manifestations it would be unlikely, wouldn't want you to panic. However given the age (which even if you have no other conditions is a separate risk factor for stroke) I would feel more comfortable if you were examined for the possibility of other signs you might have missed. If you can't see your primary physician today I would consider going even to the ER to make sure there are no other neurological signs warranting additional imaging tests.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Nerve compression during the night more likely, but stroke to be excluded
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
If the symptoms include only your arm then the likely cause is a peripheral nerve issue. Given the fact that it appeared upon awakening a nerve compression due to some abnormal posture during sleep would be the most likely cause. It is a benign issue which usually disappears gradually, though it may take some days, even weeks at times. If persisting a test called nerve conduction studies may be scheduled to confirm the diagnosis and degree of damage.
That being the most likely cause, one must however consider other possibilities as well. The other possibility to be excluded would be that of a stroke. If symptoms are limited to your arm (not including face and lower limb) and there is no weakness or other manifestations it would be unlikely, wouldn't want you to panic. However given the age (which even if you have no other conditions is a separate risk factor for stroke) I would feel more comfortable if you were examined for the possibility of other signs you might have missed. If you can't see your primary physician today I would consider going even to the ER to make sure there are no other neurological signs warranting additional imaging tests.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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