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What Causes Numbness In Both Hands And Cold Sensation Of Arms?

Posted on Mon, 22 Sep 2014

Question: My name is XXXXX. I have a sister, XXXXXXX who is 62 years of age and for the past three to four years now she has been experiencing the following medical problem. I was wondering if you might have an idea as to what it might be as I explain. She has numbness in both of her hands at the fingertiips. Her arms are extremely cold, and she describes them as being in "dry ice" because when her arms warn up they begin to have this umberible pain to them that is just hard to explain. It's hard for her to even have anyone touch her because of this pain. She has been to a Dr. and can't seem to find what is the problem. Maybe you may have a possible answer, as to what she could do. (The trouble is XXXXXXX doesn't have very good health insurance and the insurance she does have doesn't seem to cover much of anything). Thank you for your time in this matter. Dear Dr.'s I was able to get ahold of my sister XXXXXXX and she informs me that the medication that the Dr. put her on was Nortriptylin 25mg. then she increased it to 50mg. but the dosage doesn't seem to help much with the pain. I hope this is of help. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ganesh (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
could be vascular causes.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Health care magic.
Iam Dr Ganesh.

1.According to the history you have given it seems like a vascular cause which is causing this kind of numbness, tingling feeling. ( one of the cause can be because of smoking)

2.In this case to confirm the well being of the blood supply - i would have ask for a arterial doppler study for both upper limb to rule out any vascular pathology.

3. Other possible cause could be nerve compression at the cervical level. For which a cervical spine x-ray would help to see if there is any pathology.

4.Lastly any underlying medical illness can cause the above symptoms ( Diabetes, hypertension, psychiatric cause and so on).

5. The medication she was on is an anti depressant - she might have been through some hard time or doctor may felt on the consultation, the doctor has prescribed the medication.

6. If once this tests are done - one can evaluate the cause and treat accordingly.

Hope it helps you. Wish you a good health.
Anything to ask ? do not hesitate. Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ganesh (16 hours later)

Thank you very much Dr. XXXXXXX for your referrals. We will certainly check the Dr.'s out. Have a wonderful day and many blessings.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXX :)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ganesh (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome XXXXXXX and XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:

You are always welcome, please approach to health care magic for any medical quires.
Thank you Dr XXXXXXX for your support.

Good luck XXXXXXX & XXXXXXX

Thanks
Dr Ganesh.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj