Differential Diagnosis for Numbness and Tingling in Arm
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is the most common cause of numbness and tingling in the arm, particularly affecting the thumb, index, and middle fingers. It occurs due to compression of the median nerve at the wrist.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cervical Radiculopathy: Compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine can cause numbness and tingling in the arm, depending on which nerve root is affected. This condition often results from a herniated disk or bone spurs.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This condition involves compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels that pass through the thoracic outlet (the space between the collarbone and first rib), leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the arm.
- Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: Compression of the ulnar nerve, typically at the elbow or wrist, can cause numbness and tingling, especially in the ring and little fingers.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, numbness and tingling in the arm can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like facial weakness, speech difficulties, or sudden severe headache.
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, multiple sclerosis can cause numbness and tingling in various parts of the body, including the arms, and is crucial not to miss due to its significant impact on quality of life.
- Spinal Cord Injury or Compression: Trauma or conditions like spinal stenosis can compress the spinal cord, leading to numbness, tingling, and potentially more severe neurological deficits.
Rare Diagnoses
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, due to its role in the synthesis of myelin.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Various conditions, such as diabetes, alcohol abuse, or certain infections, can cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.
- Brachial Plexus Injury: Trauma to the brachial plexus, the network of nerves that conducts signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand, can result in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arm.