HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Remedy For Numbness On Hand When Diagnosed With Afib

default
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.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
? Suspecting a few conditions which I have listed out for you sir

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I am extremely sorry for the delayed response if there was any, but your question was only released an hour ago and I took it upon myself to help you as soon as I saw the question.

In my opinion, from the information provided and some extra information that I saw you posted about experiencing numbness while exercising (cycling), I think the following could be the only possibilities, which can then be narrowed down to the exact cause:

+Carpal tunnel syndrome: Tinel's sign, Phalen's sign, along with a physical examination to be conducted by a doctor to confirm/rule out this condition

+Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of calcium, sodium, vitamin B12, etc; can cause such a presentation and will have to be checked

+Trauma: Especially to the nerves (mainly the median nerve)

+Poor blood circulation: Will require a blood coagulation profile, cardiac profile and lipid profile to ensure all is well

In my opinion, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most likely option, but please do understand that I am suspecting this without a physical examination which is vital here and so I could easily be wrong. But the above list of possibilities is quite apt in my opinion.

Please also feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (9 hours later)
Dear Dr. XXXXXXX Blood work is done recently; shows no nutritional deficiencies, coagulation and lipid profiles are fine. Cardiac profile; mild atrial fibrillation controlled currently by carvedilol. Sleep studies (2) show low oxygen levels especially during periods of apnea. I tried CPAP and rejected all devices tried due to preventing sleep. Supplemental oxygen at night was useful but no longer covered by medicare, so no longer in use. While competing (amateur cycling and inline skate racing) I struggle for air while others around me can still speak. During any high intensity output I go very quickly anaerobic and am dropped. I am only competitive at ultra distance events where a steady pace, just before going anaerobic can be maintained longer than those who sprint and rest; coming from behind to win. Can I be anemic? Wouldn't epoetin help me? I am also suffering severe sexual dysfunction due to an over zealous Green laser TURP operation leaving me a eunuch with no erections without viagra and no ejaculate whatsoever. I have read that epo is useful for these conditions as well as my Ankylosing Spondylitis which I was born with. Your opinion?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Always here to help

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

Epoetin (i.e. erythropoietin) should help in treating or at the least controlling anaemia to a certain extent which could be possible, but hypoxia is more likely due to the lack of oxygen and difficulty in delivery that you are experiencing.

You can initiate the epoetin either in oral supplement or injection form and watch for its effect. As for the unfortunate side effect of the TURP, we will have to try to increase both the blood circulation to the penis as well as the amount of oxygen content in your blood. As sleep studies have reported low oxygen levels, we will have to somehow tackle this problem and for this you should speak to a pulmonologist further sir.

You could be anaemic, yes, which is why I recommend trying the epoetin that can help; but also go ahead with a blood analysis to ensure which type of anaemia you could be having which in turn will help treating you more accurately.

Please feel free to write to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 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
Suggest Remedy For Numbness On Hand When Diagnosed With Afib

Brief Answer: ? Suspecting a few conditions which I have listed out for you sir Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I am extremely sorry for the delayed response if there was any, but your question was only released an hour ago and I took it upon myself to help you as soon as I saw the question. In my opinion, from the information provided and some extra information that I saw you posted about experiencing numbness while exercising (cycling), I think the following could be the only possibilities, which can then be narrowed down to the exact cause: +Carpal tunnel syndrome: Tinel's sign, Phalen's sign, along with a physical examination to be conducted by a doctor to confirm/rule out this condition +Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of calcium, sodium, vitamin B12, etc; can cause such a presentation and will have to be checked +Trauma: Especially to the nerves (mainly the median nerve) +Poor blood circulation: Will require a blood coagulation profile, cardiac profile and lipid profile to ensure all is well In my opinion, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most likely option, but please do understand that I am suspecting this without a physical examination which is vital here and so I could easily be wrong. But the above list of possibilities is quite apt in my opinion. Please also feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help. Best wishes.