Differential Diagnosis for Numb Arm
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition, often resulting from a herniated disk or bone spur in the cervical spine, can compress or irritate nerves, leading to numbness, pain, or weakness in the arm. It's a common cause of numbness in the arm due to its prevalence and the direct impact on nerve roots that supply the arm.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm, particularly affecting the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This condition involves compression, injury, or irritation of the nerves and/or blood vessels (arteries and veins) in the thoracic outlet area, which lies between your collarbone (clavicle) and first rib. It can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to the peripheral nerves can cause numbness, weakness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet, but can also affect the arms.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common as a cause of isolated numbness in one arm, a stroke or TIA can present with sudden numbness or weakness in parts of the body, including an arm. Prompt recognition is crucial for timely intervention.
- Spinal Cord Injury or Compression: Conditions such as spinal stenosis, tumors, or traumatic injuries can compress the spinal cord, leading to numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the arms and legs.
- Rare diagnoses
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of potential neurological symptoms, including numbness in the arms.
- Vitamin Deficiency (e.g., Vitamin B12 deficiency): Certain vitamin deficiencies can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
- Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection spread by ticks, which can cause neurological problems, including numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, in some cases.
- Syringomyelia: A disorder in which a fluid-filled cavity or syrinx forms within the spinal cord, leading to numbness, weakness, and loss of reflexes, particularly affecting the arms.