Brief Answer:
numbness explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I really appreciate your concern.

Numbness of the fingers typically is a result of conditions that affect the nerves and/or blood vessels that supply the hand. Numbness of the fingers is often associated with tingling. These symptoms are referred to as paresthesia of the fingers. This may be an occasional phenomenon related to cold or anxiety which may resolve on its own. However , if the numbness occurs more often or persists for longer periods then such conditions warrants further investigation.

Numbness and tingling can be caused by medical conditions, including:


•Carpal tunnel syndrome (pressure on a nerve at the wrist)
•Diabetes
•Abnormal levels of Calcium, potassium and sodium In your body
•Multiple sclerosis
•lack of vitamin B12 and other vitamins
•Alcoholism
•Transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a "mini-stroke"
•Underactive thyroid
•Raynaud's phenomenon (narrowing of the blood vessels, usually in the hands and feet)
•Nerve damage due to lead, tobacco or chemotherapy drugs


An attempt to isolate the underlying cause for your symptoms must be made, first.

Blood tests for this purpose should include:
•Complete blood count (CBC)
•Electrolyte levels, HBA1C and Fasting blood sugar
•Thyroid function tests
•Measurement of vitamin levels
•Heavy metal or toxicology screening
•Sedimentation rate and/or c-reactive protein

Depending upon the history and physical exam an X ray of the affected area , Electromyography and nerve conduction studies may be done to see how your muscles respond to nerve stimulation.

Initially you should undergo tests for diabetes, thyroid and electrolytes. If they don't show any abnormality and the clinical exam and history is also negative for any carpel tunnel syndrome and multiple sclerosis then you may be started on a low dose calcium channel blocker like amlodipine to improve peripheral circulation and vitamin b complex (esp vitamin b 12) empirically to see for improvement.

Let me know if you have any query
I will be more than glad to answer

thanks

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