Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Numbness In The Left Arm
Question: woke up earlier with some numbness in left arm. right arm feels funny like it is "loose" with numbness in thumb... i slept on that side quite a bit last night.
Brief Answer:
Nerve compression.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
You are right, if you put pressure on one arm for a prolonged time, this may result in symptoms such numbness, impairment of perception, due to nerve compression or impairment of blood flow.
Since your thumb is affected, radial nerve compression is most likely the cause (known as "the Saturday night palsy)
In most people symptoms subside without any measure for few days.
If symptoms persist more than few days to one week, discuss with your primary care Doctor about getting evaluated further with nerve conduction study of the affected arm.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards.
Nerve compression.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
You are right, if you put pressure on one arm for a prolonged time, this may result in symptoms such numbness, impairment of perception, due to nerve compression or impairment of blood flow.
Since your thumb is affected, radial nerve compression is most likely the cause (known as "the Saturday night palsy)
In most people symptoms subside without any measure for few days.
If symptoms persist more than few days to one week, discuss with your primary care Doctor about getting evaluated further with nerve conduction study of the affected arm.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
