question-icon

Why Am I Experiencing Intermittent Tingling Sensation From The Arm To The Finger Tips?

default
Posted on Wed, 4 Oct 2023
Question: My name is XXXX. I am 73 years, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX The last 6 weeks ago my right arm began to experience tingling sensations that traveled down the arm to the finger tips. This would happen intermitantly for ten or so min. This even occurs during sleep hours.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
may be due to abnormal nerve function-Neuropathy

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

The tingling sensations are possibly due to neuropathy. This refers to abnormal function of the nerves.
The nerves are responsible for sensation in different aspects of the body.

Neuropathy can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes.

Some of the more common causes are-(1) trauma or pressure on a nerve. Arthritis of a joint or bone , in this case, in the neck or shoulder region- can affect the nerves in this area and cause abnormal sensations such as tingling

(2)diabetes
(3)thyroid disease
(4)low levels of vitamin b12 or folate
(5)abnormal levels of vitamin b6
(6)autoimmune disease such as lupus or RA- both unlikely to start at your age, normally start earlier

Imaging of the neck and shoulder can determine if there are any changes that may be causing the tingling.

During sleep, we alter our positions and it is possible that a sleep position may be placing increased pressure on the nerve to the arm and hand.

Physiotherapy or other exercises that strengthen the muscles around the joints, may help with the tingling.
The brace may also help if there is arthritis is the elbow joint.

There are medications that can reduce tingling or other abnormal sensations.Your doctor can prescribe one of these for you. eg lyrica, gabapentin, tegretol

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16845 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Why Am I Experiencing Intermittent Tingling Sensation From The Arm To The Finger Tips?

Brief Answer: may be due to abnormal nerve function-Neuropathy Detailed Answer: Hi, The tingling sensations are possibly due to neuropathy. This refers to abnormal function of the nerves. The nerves are responsible for sensation in different aspects of the body. Neuropathy can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes. Some of the more common causes are-(1) trauma or pressure on a nerve. Arthritis of a joint or bone , in this case, in the neck or shoulder region- can affect the nerves in this area and cause abnormal sensations such as tingling (2)diabetes (3)thyroid disease (4)low levels of vitamin b12 or folate (5)abnormal levels of vitamin b6 (6)autoimmune disease such as lupus or RA- both unlikely to start at your age, normally start earlier Imaging of the neck and shoulder can determine if there are any changes that may be causing the tingling. During sleep, we alter our positions and it is possible that a sleep position may be placing increased pressure on the nerve to the arm and hand. Physiotherapy or other exercises that strengthen the muscles around the joints, may help with the tingling. The brace may also help if there is arthritis is the elbow joint. There are medications that can reduce tingling or other abnormal sensations.Your doctor can prescribe one of these for you. eg lyrica, gabapentin, tegretol I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions