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Suggest Remedy For Numbness In Hand Along With Tingling Sensation

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Posted on Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Question: my left hand went to sleep while I was lying down, it was not blocked or cramped or pinched or any pressure applied that might have caused this numbness. I have Afib and am concerned about a clot. Today; hand "went to sleep" while sitting in a meditation class. Both hands fell asleep over and over last night, waking me up. I stand and wave my arms to force blood back into my hands then try to sleep only to be awakened again by numbness in one or both hands. Cycled again today, but had no numbness as I am trying to change my grip and using "time trial bars" to take the weight off my hands for short periods during the ride. Carpal tunnel has been suggested but I have no pain there only the numbness/tingling. I am frightened by this. Can it cause a clot, and ultimately a seizure?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rishi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I hope you are on oral anticoagulants.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Your concerns are genuine. Being a patient of AF there are high chances that clots can get embolized to the arms or lower limbs or cause a paralytic attack. At our Vascular Surgery Center we usually keep all AF patients on oral anticoagulation and monitor their INR monthly to keep it between 2 and 3. I hope you are doing the same thing. This should prevent you from any embolic episodes. If you are not on oral anticoagulation then you should consult your Cardiologist for the same.
It could be a myriad other things like Thoracic outlet syndrome or Carpal tunnel but that can be suggested only once I can examine you. I suggest you consult a Vascular Surgeon who can examine you and advice accordingly.
You might require a Color Doppler of the arteriesof your upper limbs to be sure. Your Vascular Surgeon will let you know about that.
Do let me know if there are other queries that I can help resolve.
Take care.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Rishi (10 hours later)
Thank you, I am not on any anticoagulant. What are the side effects? I just saw my heart doctor, Dr. XXXXXXX Drury (P.A. that is) who is a clinical electrophysiologist and mentioned the numb hands....did not suggest anything. What might I do? This is frightening me as I know AF patients are more susceptible to strokes and I have seen what a stroke can do to a person; one of the most horrible things that can happen to a human. I would rather die. Are there other preventative measures I can take? I do exercise vigorously, almost every day (cyclist as previously noted) also swim some and gym a little. Any suggested supplements?

I have a new question if I can direct it here...I have had an itching spot on my head that will not go away after about 10 days now> Itches 24-7. Only a very small red dot at the site, the bump is hardly noticeable. Yet it is not going away. Any thoughts?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rishi (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Anticoagulant should be on but not wihtout your Cardiologist being on board

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I suggest you discuss with your Cardiologist about anti-coagulation and the risks of not being on one.
The threat of embolisation is real.
There are side effects of anticoagulation and the most important one is bleeding spontaneously from any site due to the thinning of blood. Another problem is checking INR by a blood test every 2 to 4 weeks to see whether the blood is adequately thin or not.
We always keep our AF patients on anti-coagulation. How your Cardiologist wants to manage you is his/ her choice. No other preventive measures except keep yourself well hydrated.
As for the lesion on your scalp. It does not seem to be related. Please see a Dermatologist(Skin Specialist) for the same. It would be a Dermatitis of some kind or fungal rash.
Take care,
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Rishi

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 1312 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Numbness In Hand Along With Tingling Sensation

Brief Answer: I hope you are on oral anticoagulants. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Your concerns are genuine. Being a patient of AF there are high chances that clots can get embolized to the arms or lower limbs or cause a paralytic attack. At our Vascular Surgery Center we usually keep all AF patients on oral anticoagulation and monitor their INR monthly to keep it between 2 and 3. I hope you are doing the same thing. This should prevent you from any embolic episodes. If you are not on oral anticoagulation then you should consult your Cardiologist for the same. It could be a myriad other things like Thoracic outlet syndrome or Carpal tunnel but that can be suggested only once I can examine you. I suggest you consult a Vascular Surgeon who can examine you and advice accordingly. You might require a Color Doppler of the arteriesof your upper limbs to be sure. Your Vascular Surgeon will let you know about that. Do let me know if there are other queries that I can help resolve. Take care. Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX