Causes of Left Hand Numbness
Article Sources
- 1. 'Numbness in Hands Causes.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Apr. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/numbness-in-hands/basics/causes/sym-20050842
- 2. 'Numbness in Hands: Causes, Tests & Diagnosis.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17824-numbness-in-hands
- 3. 'Stroke.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Feb. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113
- 4. 'Cervical Spondylosis.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 June 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-spondylosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370787
- 5. 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Risk Factors, Symptoms & Treatment.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4005-carpal-tunnel-syndrome
- 6. 'Diabetic Neuropathy.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Mar. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580
- 7. 'What Is MS?' National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS
- 8. 'Raynaud's Disease.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 June 2020, medlineplus.gov/raynaudsdisease.html
- 9. 'Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention & Recovery.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11586-lyme-disease
- 10. 'Vasculitis.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 24 Nov. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vasculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20363435
- 11. 'Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin B12.' NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer
- 12. 'Treatment - Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia.' NHS Choices, www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/treatment
- 13. Jones, Mark R, et al. 'Drug-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Narrative Review.' Current Clinical Pharmacology, Bentham Science Publishers, 2020, [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7365998.](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7365998.)
- 14. 'How Anti-Seizure Meds Can Help Relieve Nerve Pain.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/in-depth/pain-medications/art-20045004
Left-hand numbness may arise from a variety of causes. Some may be serious and life-threatening, and others may be minor. In some cases, left-hand numbness may be temporary or intermittent.
Nerve compression, damage or irritation in the arm or wrist is commonly responsible for left-hand numbness, but it may also implicate certain diseases or problems in the brain or spinal cord. If numbness in the left hand is the only symptom, it's unlikely to be associated with a life-threatening condition. People experiencing left-hand numbness along with symptoms, including confusion, paralysis, slurred speech or dizziness, should seek prompt medical aid.1‘Numbness in Hands Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Apr. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/numbness-in-hands/basics/causes/sym-20050842,2‘Numbness in Hands: Causes, Tests & Diagnosis.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17824-numbness-in-hands
Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is impeded, causing brain cells to die. Symptoms commonly appear on one side of the body. Strokes affecting the left side of the body may cause sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of the left hand, arm or leg. The left side of the mouth may droop when the person attempts to smile. A sudden, severe headache, dizziness, loss of coordination, vomiting and visual problems are also signs of a possible stroke.
People with left-hand numbness and associated symptoms should get emergency medical care. Management options are most effective when provided promptly.3‘Stroke.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Feb. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a condition in which changes occur in the bones, cartilage and disks in the spine and neck as people age. If a nerve becomes pinched because of these changes, left-hand numbness, tingling and weakness may develop.
Management of the condition may include applying heat or ice, undergoing physical therapy and taking medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. Surgical options include fusing parts of the neck or removing bone spurs or herniated disks.4‘Cervical Spondylosis.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 June 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-spondylosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370787
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
People who perform repetitive motions using their wrists, hands and fingers may develop carpal tunnel syndrome. The space in the wrist narrows, putting pressure on the median nerve and tendons. Swelling occurs, leading to numbness, tingling pain and diminished feeling in the fingers.
Conservative management of left-hand numbness due to carpal tunnel syndrome includes using a wrist splint, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and receiving cortisone injections. Heat treatments and exercises may also help. A surgical procedure is available for severe cases.5‘Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Risk Factors, Symptoms & Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4005-carpal-tunnel-syndrome
Peripheral Neuropathy
People with diabetes may develop nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy, which may cause left-hand numbness. Symptoms may start in the legs and feet, with the hands and arms becoming involved later.
A person with peripheral neuropathy may experience numbness, tingling or burning and sharp pains or cramps in their hands, arms, legs and feet. They may notice reduced sensitivity to pain or changes in temperature. Serious foot problems may develop, such as ulcers, infections and pain in the bones and joints.6‘Diabetic Neuropathy.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Mar. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that causes problems with the transfer of information between the brain and the body. Left hand numbness is a possible first sign of multiple sclerosis. Numbness may also occur on the face, body and other extremities. Weakness, dizziness, bowel and bladder problems and cognitive changes are some other possible signs of MS.
The cause of MS isn't clear, and there isn't a definitive cure. However, medications are available that may help delay disease progression.7‘What Is MS?’ National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS
Raynaud's Disease
Left hand numbness may occur with Raynaud's disease, a disorder in which blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict when exposed to the cold or when a person is experiencing stress. The fingers or toes turn white or bluish. When they warm up or the stress is alleviated, the blood flow normalizes, and numbness and tingling may develop.
Injuries, medications and other diseases may also trigger Raynaud's disease. Management includes avoiding triggers and keeping fingers and toes warm.8‘Raynaud’s Disease.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 June 2020, medlineplus.gov/raynaudsdisease.html
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease may cause left hand numbness. The disease begins when a person is infected with bacteria through a bite from an infected deer tick. Initial signs may include a rash, headache, fever, fatigue, aches and pains and swollen glands. If unmanaged, numbness may occur in hands and other body parts, and Bell's palsy and heart irregularities may develop. Later, arthritis and concentration difficulties may arise.
Antibiotics, such as doxycycline, are effective in combating Lyme disease. Addressing Lyme disease early provides the best results. 9‘Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention & Recovery.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11586-lyme-disease
Vasculitis
Vasculitis, which occurs when blood vessels become inflamed, is a possible cause of left hand numbness. This condition may affect one or multiple organs, and it may be a short- or long-term condition. Symptoms may include headache, aches and pains, fever and weight loss. Some forms of vasculitis may cause weakness or numbness in the hands or feet.
The cause of vasculitis isn't clear, but some triggers appear to include infections, immune system diseases and certain medications. Corticosteroids help control inflammation from vasculitis.10‘Vasculitis.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 24 Nov. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vasculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20363435
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
People with inadequate vitamin B-12 intake may develop left hand numbness. This nutrient is available in animal products, including fish, meat, eggs and dairy foods, but some people don't consume enough of these foods or have trouble absorbing vitamin B-12. In addition to numbness in the hands and feet, symptoms of this vitamin deficiency may include fatigue, weight loss, memory problems and depression.
Consuming foods rich in vitamin B-12, taking supplements or receiving injections can help.11‘Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin B12.’ NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer,12‘Treatment - Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia.’ NHS Choices, www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/treatment
Medications
Left hand numbness may develop as a side effect of medications. Some chemotherapy medications cause numbness that begins in the fingers and toes. Thalidomide and Bortezomib, used in managing multiple myeloma, are two such medications. Voriconazole, given to those receiving transplants, may also cause numbness.
Other medications that may cause numbness in the left hand and other parts of the body include Levodopa, used to manage Parkinson's disease, as well as medications used to address HIV, including zalcitabine, didanosine, stavudine and lamivudine.13Jones, Mark R, et al. ‘Drug-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Narrative Review.’ Current Clinical Pharmacology, Bentham Science Publishers, 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7365998.,14‘How Anti-Seizure Meds Can Help Relieve Nerve Pain.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/in-depth/pain-medications/art-20045004
