Concerns About Potential Beginning of MND
Greetings everyone, I’m a 35-year-old woman, standing 1.74 meters tall and weighing 93 kilograms. I manage thyroid issues effectively through medication. First off, I want to express my gratitude for taking the time to read about my situation and for any insights you might provide regarding my symptoms. Lately, I’ve been experiencing intense anxiety. Here’s a timeline of my experiences: As someone who actively practices yoga, I started noticing some changes a few months back. Specifically, my left hand seemed to have a harder time spreading its fingers. There was no accompanying pain or weakness at that point. **January 2026:** In the second week of January, I became aware of numbness affecting my left hand, particularly my pinky and ring fingers, as well as the fleshy part of my palm corresponding to the C8 area of my forearm. I found it challenging to move my fingers, which felt unusually heavy and fatigued. Soon after, I began to experience persistent tingling sensations, pain, feelings akin to small needles, and a strange sense of electricity or liquid flowing through the area almost constantly. It was also around this time that I developed shoulder pain, which tended to intensify at night and after prolonged periods of typing at my desk. Naproxen provided significant relief for this discomfort. During a consultation with my doctor, she noted that while my reflexes appeared normal, my left hand and arm seemed to demonstrate reduced strength compared to my right. **End of January 2026:** I struggled with tasks such as turning keys or bringing my thumb and pinky together, though these functions improved over time. Although I can perform basic maneuvers, my hand lacks strength; I cannot lift heavy objects, and my pinch grip feels significantly compromised. It raises the question of whether my ability to carry out these tasks is an example of my body compensating despite the perceived loss, as I haven’t observed any visible muscle atrophy. I also started noticing a considerable amount of muscle twitching at the base of my thumb, the dorsal side, as well as the fleshy area beneath my pinky finger. **Early February:** The tingling sensations persist almost non-stop, and I continue to experience substantial weakness in my hand. I can only manage to lift items weighing up to 3 kilograms before losing strength. While I can grip objects without them slipping from my grasp, the upper parts of my fingers (particularly the index and fingertips) still feel very weak. I’ve undergone two MRIs so far, but the results have not revealed any abnormalities. I’m currently feeling quite frightened and would greatly appreciate any insights or guidance from those with similar experiences.
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 9:50:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns and symptoms in such detail. It's understandable to feel anxious given your experiences, and I want to provide some clarity and support for you.
Main Points:
Your symptoms, including numbness, tingling, weakness, and muscle twitching in your left hand, are concerning but can have various explanations. While you mentioned the potential worry regarding motor neuron disease (MND), these symptoms are not solely indicative of such a condition.
Explanation:
Your experiences with numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand can be related to several conditions. Some possibilities include:
- Nerve Compression/Entrapment: Issues like carpal tunnel syndrome can cause similar symptoms. The numbness and tingling in the ring and pinky fingers suggest possible compression at the level of the ulnar nerve.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This can occur from various causes, including thyroid disorders, which you already manage with medication.
- Muscle Fatigue or Overuse: Given your yoga practice and the physical demands of typing, the repetitive strain might contribute to your symptoms.
- Anxiety: Anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, leading to increased perception of tingling and weakness.
Next Steps:
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Continue Tracking Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary focusing on when sensations occur, their intensity, and any triggers or activities that may worsen them.
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Modify Activities: Since you mentioned worsened symptoms after typing or holding objects, consider taking regular breaks. Adjust your workspace ergonomically, using tools like wrist supports.
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Consult with a Specialist: If you haven't already, a consultation with a neurologist might be helpful to conduct a thorough evaluation, including nerve conduction studies, which can provide more insight.
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Incorporate Stress-Reduction Strategies: Since anxiety is a factor, practices like mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga can help reduce your overall tension and possibly alleviate some of your symptoms.
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Explore Additional Testing: If symptoms persist or worsen, it may be worth discussing further imaging or tests with your healthcare provider to rule out other issues, such as cervical spine problems or other nerve-related issues.
Your concerns are valid, and while it’s important to stay vigilant about your health, many conditions exist that could explain your symptoms without leading to severe diagnoses. Focusing on your self-care and working closely with your healthcare providers will guide you in managing these issues effectively. Please keep updating your doctor on any changes or concerns you may have.
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