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What Causes Tingling Sensation In The Fingers And Forearms?

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Posted on Fri, 24 Feb 2017
Question: I have occasional tingling in fingers and forearms in both L and R. My first suspicion was disc problem, but
then it occurred to me as possibly a B vitamin prob. Possibilities?

And... how long will this take? I thought there were Drs. available!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Vitamin B not the most likely cause.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Judging from your symptoms a peripheral neuropathy is certainly possible. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes. Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of them so it is possible. However it is not the most common cause and doesn't usually cause symptoms in that location.
Such sensory symptoms in the hand and forearm are commonly due to carpal tunnel syndrome, compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
Another possibility are electrolyte alterations which commonly manifest that way especially low calcium.
At times it may not be due to neuropathy at all but may be related to anxiety.

So the first step is getting a test called nerve conduction studies to check whether there indeed nerve damage and whether it is due to a compression. If there is damage but no focal compression then some blood tests for neuropathy causes which would include vitamin B12 level will follow.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3672 Questions

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What Causes Tingling Sensation In The Fingers And Forearms?

Brief Answer: Vitamin B not the most likely cause. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Judging from your symptoms a peripheral neuropathy is certainly possible. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes. Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of them so it is possible. However it is not the most common cause and doesn't usually cause symptoms in that location. Such sensory symptoms in the hand and forearm are commonly due to carpal tunnel syndrome, compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Another possibility are electrolyte alterations which commonly manifest that way especially low calcium. At times it may not be due to neuropathy at all but may be related to anxiety. So the first step is getting a test called nerve conduction studies to check whether there indeed nerve damage and whether it is due to a compression. If there is damage but no focal compression then some blood tests for neuropathy causes which would include vitamin B12 level will follow. I remain at your disposal for other questions.