Differential Diagnosis for Numb Finger
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This is the most common cause of numbness in the fingers, particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. It occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the wrist.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: This condition affects the ring and little fingers, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness. It often occurs at the elbow or wrist.
- Radial Nerve Compression: This can cause numbness on the back of the hand or the thumb side of the hand.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This is a condition that results from damage to the peripheral nerves, often causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, numbness in the fingers can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms such as facial weakness, difficulty speaking, or weakness in the arm or leg.
- Multiple Sclerosis: This is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, and numbness in the fingers can be an early symptom.
- Cervical Radiculopathy: Compression of the nerve roots in the neck can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the fingers.
- Rare diagnoses
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: This can cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to numbness in the fingers.
- Lyme Disease: In rare cases, Lyme disease can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the fingers.
- Sarcoidosis: This is a rare autoimmune disease that can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the fingers due to nerve damage.
- Tumor or Cyst: A tumor or cyst compressing a nerve can cause numbness in the fingers, although this is a rare cause.