Differential Diagnosis for Fingers Cold in Median Nerve Distribution
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Raynaud's phenomenon: This condition is characterized by a sudden and temporary narrowing of the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the fingers, which can cause them to feel cold. The median nerve distribution is often affected, and it is a common condition that can be triggered by cold temperatures or stress.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: While primarily known for causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, carpal tunnel syndrome can also lead to decreased blood flow and sensation of coldness in the fingers, particularly in the median nerve distribution.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: This condition involves compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels that pass into the thoracic outlet (the space between your collarbone and first rib), which can lead to decreased blood flow to the fingers, causing them to feel cold.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): PAD can cause reduced blood flow to the limbs, leading to coldness, numbness, and pain in the fingers, including those in the median nerve distribution.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute arterial occlusion: A sudden blockage of an artery supplying blood to the fingers can cause severe and rapid onset of coldness, pain, and numbness. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
- Embolic event: An embolus (a foreign object, such as a blood clot) that travels to and blocks an artery supplying the fingers can cause sudden and severe symptoms, including coldness.
- Hypothyroidism: Severe hypothyroidism can cause decreased circulation and sensation of coldness in the extremities, including the fingers.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans): A rare disease that causes inflammation and blockage of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to the fingers and other extremities.
- Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder that causes burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, but can also cause coldness and decreased blood flow in some cases.
- Scleroderma: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause thickening and hardening of the skin, as well as decreased blood flow to the fingers, leading to coldness and other symptoms.