From the Guidelines
Bilateral hand numbness in a child should be evaluated by a pediatrician as soon as possible to rule out underlying conditions that may affect the peripheral nerves or central nervous system. The pediatrician will likely perform a physical examination and may order tests such as blood work to check for vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies, nerve conduction studies, or imaging if necessary 1. While awaiting medical attention, it is essential to observe if the numbness is associated with specific activities, positions, or times of day, as this information can help with diagnosis. Some possible causes of bilateral hand numbness in children include nerve compression, vitamin deficiencies, or neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can be diagnosed based on features like progressive phase, relative symmetry of symptoms, and increased protein level in cerebrospinal fluid 1. Other conditions like cerebral palsy or stroke can also cause numbness in children, and early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term complications 1. Avoiding tight clothing or accessories that might compress nerves in the arms or wrists and using gentle massage or changing hand positions may provide temporary relief. However, it is crucial to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause of the numbness and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Children's developing nervous systems are particularly important to monitor, and early intervention can prevent potential long-term complications 1. In some cases, numbness in both hands could indicate underlying issues that require prompt medical attention, such as stroke, which can be diagnosed using imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans 1. Therefore, it is essential to consult a pediatrician for proper evaluation and diagnosis to ensure the best possible outcome for the child.
From the Research
Diagnóstico de Síndrome del Túnel Cárpico
- El síndrome del túnel cárpico (STC) es una condición común que afecta la median nerve en la muñeca, causando dolor, entumecimiento y debilidad en la mano 2.
- La electromiografía (EMG), la ultrasonografía (US), la resonancia magnética (MRI) y la tomografía computarizada (CT) son algunas de las pruebas diagnósticas utilizadas para evaluar el STC 2.
- Un estudio encontró que la MRI tiene un buen valor diagnóstico en la evaluación del STC, con una sensibilidad y especificidad del 97,4% y 80%, respectivamente, utilizando un punto de corte de 10,9 mm2 para el área de sección transversal del nervio mediano 3.
Tratamiento del Síndrome del Túnel Cárpico
- La gabapentina es un medicamento que se ha utilizado para tratar el dolor neuropático y se ha evaluado como tratamiento para el STC 4, 5, 6.
- Un estudio encontró que la gabapentina en dosis bajas (100 mg/día y 300 mg/día) es efectiva en el tratamiento de los síntomas del STC, con una mejora significativa en la escala de dolor y la función de la mano 5.
- Sin embargo, otro estudio encontró que la gabapentina no produjo una reducción significativa en la gravedad de los síntomas en comparación con un placebo después de 8 semanas de tratamiento 6.