Differential Diagnosis of Pain in Bilateral Arms with Paresthesias
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cervical Spondylosis: This condition is a common cause of bilateral arm pain and paresthesias due to the compression of nerve roots in the cervical spine. It is often associated with aging and wear and tear of the spinal discs and joints.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- 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 pain and paresthesias in the arms.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Conditions such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or alcohol abuse can cause damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to pain and paresthesias in the arms.
- Radiculopathy: Compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the spinal cord can cause pain, numbness, and paresthesias in the arms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Spinal Cord Compression: Conditions such as spinal cord tumors, abscesses, or fractures can cause compression of the spinal cord, leading to rapid onset of bilateral arm pain, paresthesias, and potentially paralysis.
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing demyelination and leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms, including pain and paresthesias in the arms.
- Vascular Conditions (e.g., Subclavian Artery Stenosis or Thrombosis): These conditions can cause reduced blood flow to the arms, leading to pain and paresthesias.
Rare Diagnoses
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disorder that causes rapid-onset muscle weakness and numbness, often following an infection.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to pain and paresthesias in the arms.
- Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection that can cause neurological symptoms, including pain and paresthesias in the arms, in rare cases.