Differential Diagnosis for Numbness and Tingling in Right Fingers

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is a common cause of numbness and tingling in the fingers, particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, which are innervated by the median nerve. The symptoms can be exacerbated by activities that involve repetitive wrist flexion or extension.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: This condition affects the ulnar nerve, which runs from the neck down to the hand, and can cause numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.
• Radial Nerve Compression: Compression of the radial nerve can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back of the hand or the thumb side of the hand.
• 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), leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: This is a result of damage to the peripheral nerves and can cause numbness, tingling, and pain, typically in a glove-and-stocking distribution, but can also be localized to one hand.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, sudden onset of numbness or tingling in one hand could be a sign of a stroke or TIA, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, vision changes, or difficulty with speech.
• Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling.
• Cervical Radiculopathy: Compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the arm or hand.

Rare Diagnoses

• Vitamin Deficiency (B12, B6): Deficiencies in certain vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, can lead to neurological symptoms including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
• Hypothyroidism: In some cases, hypothyroidism can cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to numbness and tingling sensations.
• Sarcoidosis: A rare disease that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the nerves, leading to numbness and tingling.
• Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection that can cause neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling, especially if left untreated.