OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Numbness in Right Hand for Over a Year

Greetings everyone, I appreciate you taking a moment to read my post. I am a 25-year-old male, and a little over a year ago, I traveled back to my homeland from Canada to attend my grandmother's funeral. While on the flight back, I began to experience some numbness in the tip of my index finger, which I initially attributed to having slept awkwardly on it. Within a few days of returning to Canada, that sensation expanded to include all of my fingers, except for the thumb, as well as the palm of my hand and the outer section of my forearm. Notably, there was no tingling; it felt like the numbness you experience when your arm 'falls asleep.' I consulted my family physician, who suggested that we should first rule out carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), particularly since I had some discomfort in my wrist and elbow from extensive laptop use. I was prescribed a CTS brace, which I wore nightly for two weeks, but unfortunately, I did not observe any improvement. On my follow-up visit, my doctor recommended that I see a specialist. After a couple of months, I underwent a nerve conduction study—though I can’t recall the exact name of the test. It involves attaching electrodes to the hand and administering small electric shocks to assess nerve function. The results indicated that CTS was not the cause, leading to the next assumption of a possible herniated disc in my neck. However, I never scheduled an MRI for that. Several months later, I learned that my fiancée, who was still in my home country, had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and required surgery. I hurried back to support her, and once her condition stabilized, I turned my focus to my hand. The healthcare system in my homeland is somewhat akin to that of the US, and I was able to arrange an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. He performed a similar nerve assessment, and because I reported no noticeable weakness or muscle atrophy after nine months, he suggested multiple sclerosis (MS) might be a possibility. Upon redoing the test, it confirmed that neither MS nor CTS was present. He then proposed that my symptoms could be stress-related, especially since I had shared how taxing the past year had been for me. He provided me with vitamins and other supplements as a remedy. Concerned about the possibility of a neck issue, I sought a neurologist's opinion, who recommended an MRI. I underwent scans of my head, neck, and upper shoulders, and fortunately, everything appeared normal. Fast forward to today—over a year later—and I am still no closer to understanding the cause of my issues. While it has transformed into a mild discomfort that I often overlook, both of my hands have become prone to the numbness typical of awkward positioning, particularly my right hand, which can numb more significantly if placed improperly. Thank you for your attention.

Answers (1)

4/1/2025, 6:30:48 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your experience; it sounds quite challenging to deal with persistent numbness in your right hand, especially after so many evaluations. Your situation appears to have been thoroughly investigated, which can provide some reassurance despite the lack of a clear diagnosis. Here are the main points:

1. Underlying Causes: Persistent numbness can result from various factors including nerve compression, circulatory issues, or stress-related responses. Since you’ve ruled out conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and major structural issues via MRI, it may indicate that the cause of your symptoms could be more functional or stress-related.

2. Recognizing Patterns: It's helpful to note any patterns with your numbness—what activities worsen it, or if certain positions or stress levels contribute to the discomfort.

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Maintain a Symptom Journal: Keep track of when the numbness occurs, how long it lasts, and any activities correlated with it. This can help identify triggers and provide valuable information for future consultations if needed.

2. Adopt Ergonomic Practices: Ensure that your workspace is ergonomically set up to reduce strain on your wrists and arms. Take regular breaks when using a laptop, and try different seating arrangements or wrist supports to alleviate pressure on your arms and hands.

3. Stress Management Techniques: Given the suggestion that stress might be a contributing factor, consider engaging in stress-reducing activities such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise. These can help improve overall well-being and potentially alleviate your symptoms.

4. Follow Up on Treatment Suggestions: If you were prescribed vitamins and supplements by the orthopedic surgeon, follow their recommendations as these might support nerve health. Additionally, if stress is identified as a factor, seeing a mental health professional could offer support and coping strategies.

5. Consider Physical Therapy: A consultation with a physical therapist can provide you with targeted exercises to improve mobility and strengthen your hand. They might also help identify any patterns in movement that contribute to your numbness.

Patience in addressing these symptoms is essential, and knowing that you’re actively seeking solutions will also help. It’s understandable to feel worried when a definitive cause isn't found, but focusing on symptom management and lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference. If new symptoms arise or existing ones worsen, don't hesitate to seek further medical advice.