Differential Diagnosis for Numbness in Extremity
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Peripheral neuropathy: This is a common condition that can cause numbness in the extremities due to damage to the peripheral nerves. It can be caused by various factors such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or trauma.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This condition occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, leading to numbness and tingling in the hand and arm.
- Radiculopathy: This refers to damage or irritation of the nerve roots in the spinal cord, which can cause numbness, weakness, and pain in the extremities.
- Multiple sclerosis: This is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing numbness, weakness, and vision problems.
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Although less common, numbness in an extremity can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, facial drooping, or speech difficulties.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Acute spinal cord injury: This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, as it can cause permanent damage if not treated promptly.
- Cauda equina syndrome: This is a rare but serious condition that occurs when the nerves in the lower spine are compressed, causing numbness, weakness, and loss of bladder and bowel control.
- Vasculitis: This is a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to numbness, weakness, and pain in the extremities.
- Rare diagnoses
- Guillain-Barré syndrome: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes numbness, weakness, and paralysis in the extremities.
- Sjögren's syndrome: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes numbness, weakness, and pain in the extremities, as well as dry eyes and mouth.
- Lyme disease: This is a rare bacterial infection that can cause numbness, weakness, and pain in the extremities, as well as other symptoms such as fever and headache.
- Sarcoidosis: This is a rare disease that causes inflammation in various parts of the body, including the nerves, which can lead to numbness, weakness, and pain in the extremities.