What is the diagnostic workup and treatment approach for a patient presenting with numbness and tingling in bilateral hands and one leg?

Diagnostic Workup for Numbness and Tingling in Bilateral Hands and One Leg

Begin with fasting blood glucose and HbA1c testing, as diabetes is the most common treatable cause of peripheral neuropathy, followed by complete blood count, vitamin B12 level, and thyroid function tests (TSH, free T4). 1, 2

Initial Clinical Assessment

Determine the distribution pattern and fiber type involvement:

• Bilateral hand involvement with unilateral leg symptoms suggests an asymmetric or patchy distribution, which raises concern for mononeuropathy multiplex from vasculitis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), or multiple compression neuropathies rather than typical distal symmetric polyneuropathy. 2, 3

• Ask specifically about burning pain and tingling (small fiber involvement) versus numbness with loss of balance (large fiber involvement) to characterize the neuropathy type. 2

• Document the exact digit distribution in the hands: if numbness/tingling is isolated to the 4th and 5th digits bilaterally, this strongly suggests bilateral ulnar nerve compression at the cubital tunnel or Guyon's canal rather than systemic neuropathy. 4

• Obtain a detailed medication history, particularly metformin (especially ≥2g daily), chemotherapy agents, statins, and multivitamin supplements containing pyridoxine (vitamin B6), as these are common culprits. 2, 5

• Assess for red flags requiring urgent evaluation: hemibody sensory loss without motor weakness requires stroke evaluation within 48 hours. 2

Physical Examination

Perform a comprehensive neurological examination with specific focus on:

• Small fiber testing: pinprick sensation and temperature perception in both hands and the affected leg. 6, 2

• Large fiber testing: vibration perception with 128-Hz tuning fork, 10-g monofilament testing (especially on feet), and ankle reflexes. 6, 1, 2

• Motor examination: assess for weakness in intrinsic hand muscles (ulnar nerve), wrist extensors, and lower extremity strength to distinguish between pure sensory neuropathy versus sensorimotor involvement. 3, 7

• Provocative testing for nerve compression: elbow flexion test and Tinel's sign at the cubital tunnel bilaterally for ulnar nerve compression; Phalen's test and median nerve percussion at the wrist for carpal tunnel syndrome. 4, 7, 8

• Vascular examination: palpate lower extremity pulses (femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial) and auscultate for femoral bruits, as peripheral arterial disease can cause leg numbness. 6, 1

• Autonomic signs: check for orthostatic hypotension (drop in systolic BP >20 mmHg or diastolic BP >10 mmHg upon standing), resting tachycardia, and skin dryness/cracking. 6, 2

• Foot inspection: examine for skin integrity, ulcers, deformities, calluses, or areas of increased pressure. 1

Laboratory Testing

Order the following initial workup:

• Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c to screen for diabetes mellitus, the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. 1, 2

• Complete blood count to evaluate for anemia, infection, or malignancy. 1, 2

• Vitamin B12 level, particularly critical if the patient takes metformin, as long-term use causes neuropathy in a stocking-glove distribution. 1, 2

• Thyroid function tests (TSH, free T4) to assess for hypothyroidism, a risk factor for nerve entrapment. 1, 7

• Hepatitis C serology if risk factors are present, as up to 50% of HCV patients develop neuropathy. 2

Additional Diagnostic Testing

Consider the following based on initial findings:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) if peripheral arterial disease is suspected based on vascular examination or leg symptoms; if ABI >1.40 (non-compressible arteries), obtain Toe-Brachial Index (TBI). 1

• Electrodiagnostic studies (nerve conduction studies and electromyography) are indicated when: the clinical features are atypical, the diagnosis is unclear, there is progressive motor weakness, or to confirm and localize nerve compression (ulnar nerve, median nerve). 6, 4, 3, 8

• Cervical spine MRI if cervical radiculopathy (C8-T1) is suspected, particularly if there is neck pain, radiating arm pain, or positive Spurling's test. 4

Differential Diagnosis Considerations

The asymmetric distribution (bilateral hands + one leg) narrows the differential:

• Bilateral ulnar nerve compression (cubital tunnel syndrome) if symptoms are isolated to 4th and 5th digits bilaterally. 4, 7

• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) if there is progressive weakness over >8 weeks, areflexia, and elevated CSF protein; nerve conduction studies show partial conduction blocks with nonuniform slowing. 3

• Multiple mononeuropathies from vasculitis or other systemic disease if the pattern is patchy and asymmetric. 2

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy typically presents with symmetric stocking-glove distribution affecting all digits, not isolated patterns, but can coexist with compression neuropathies. 6, 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not assume a systemic neuropathy without considering multiple focal nerve compressions, especially in patients with occupational risk factors requiring repetitive hand/arm use. 7, 9

• Do not rely on a single test for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy; at least two clinical tests should be performed (e.g., 10-g monofilament plus vibration testing). 1

• Do not overlook vitamin B6 toxicity from multivitamin supplements, which can cause chronic sensory polyneuropathy even at doses as low as 24-40 mg daily. 5

• Do not fail to check vitamin B12 levels in metformin users, as deficiency develops insidiously and causes irreversible neuropathy if untreated. 2

• Do not order electrodiagnostic studies prematurely if the clinical diagnosis is clear (e.g., obvious carpal tunnel syndrome with classic symptoms and positive provocative tests), but do order them when the diagnosis is uncertain or atypical. 6, 8

Referrals to Consider

• Neurology referral if electrodiagnostic studies are needed, if CIDP or other inflammatory neuropathy is suspected, or if the diagnosis remains unclear after initial workup. 6, 3

• Endocrinology referral for diabetes management if newly diagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes is identified. 1

• Vascular surgery referral if significant peripheral arterial disease is identified on ABI testing. 1

• Hand surgery or orthopedics referral for severe ulnar or median nerve compression with muscle atrophy, complete paralysis, or progressive motor weakness despite 3-6 months of conservative therapy. 4

• Podiatry referral for foot care and management of foot deformities, especially if loss of protective sensation is documented. 1