What Causes Numbness In The Left Arm In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Fri, 13 Jan 2017

Question: Since 2 weeks, I have a numbness in my left arm (engourdissement à l'avant-bras gauche).
Otherwise, no pain. I do a lot of exercices, at the gym, mainly cardio, plus yoga. I'm 64 years old.
(in french if possible. Thanks)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

A cardiac cause should be ruled out primarily even though there is no chest pain. An EKG and ETT (Exercise tolerance test ) can be advised. If both are normal then there is no cardiac cause for the numbness or paresthesia.

A physical examination of the arm should be done to look for adequate pulses in the axillary, brachial and cubital region, any swelling or erythema amongst other findings. Your doctor may advise a cervical spine x ray as well. If no significant finding is there on history and physical then your doctor may advise empiric treatment with adjunct physiotherapy and B complex supplementation. In the meanwhile , give the exercise/ cardio a break to help ease any musculoskeletal cause.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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