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What Causes Heaviness And Tingling In Arm?

Posted on Tue, 25 Nov 2014

Question: I have heaviness and tingling in my left arm, that has been going on and of for the last couple of weeks. It's not a heart attack, obvioiusly, but what else can it be? Someone told me it could be a circulation problem. Is that right? I have had a herniated disc (surgically healed) that affected my L leg and foot. Could this be a similar issue?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Little bit information will help

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Based on that, it looks to be cervical disc slip like your herniated disc at lower spine.MRI of cervical spine is the recommended investigation.
To help you better, I would like to know -
1. Is the limb cold to touch as compare to right? To rule out circulation problem.
2. Do you smoke and have chronic disease like diabetes?
3. How strong is your grip as compare to right?
Looking forward to your reply.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (52 minutes later)

I haven't smoke for about 25 yrs.
I don't notice any temperature difference between the two arms.
The L. arm feels weaker and slower though I have not actually tested in any way. I do notice after gripping my pen -- I am L. and a handed -- my hand becomes fatigued a bit hard to close my fist.

Forgot: no chronic disease

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pinched nerve is the possible cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you
Based on your reply the most likely cause is pinched nerve at cervical spine. This needs to be confirmed by physical examination along with MRI cervical spine.
Meanwhile you may have prescription only drug pregablin along with Ibuprofen and vitamin B12 and B6.This will help along with exercises for neck and shoulder.
Most of the cases like yours improve with above medicine.
Hope this suffices.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (40 minutes later)

Thank you. I take antidepressants. Any problem with that and pregablin?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As follows

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's safe to take prgablin along with antidepressant. The only side effect it has is dizziness, nausea that too initially in some cases.
Wishing you good health.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar