Numb hands and fingers: causes, red flags and which doctor to see
Numb hands are most often a nerve issue: nerves get compressed either in the cervical spine or at the wrist. If your hands go numb regularly, and not just after an awkward position, it is time to see a neurologist.
Common causes
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — nerve compression at the wrist, more likely with repetitive hand work or in pregnancy
- Herniated discs and age-related changes of the neck
- A prolonged awkward position ("slept on the arm")
- B-vitamin deficiency
- Diabetes and other metabolic disorders
- Finger vessel spasm in the cold (Raynaud's)
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- Sudden numbness of one arm with speech problems or facial asymmetry — call 103
- Numbness with weakness: things fall out of your hands
- Numbness after a neck or arm injury
- Rapidly spreading numbness of both arms and legs
- Arm numbness together with chest pain — call 103
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
Neurologist
What to bring to the visit
- A description: which fingers go numb, when, what triggers it
- Previous tests (cervical MRI, nerve conduction study), if any
- A list of medicines you take
- Blood sugar test results, if available
Frequently asked questions
What is carpal tunnel syndrome and who treats it?
It is compression of the median nerve in a narrow channel in the wrist: the fingers go numb, tingle and hurt, and your grip may weaken. It is linked to repetitive hand movements and keeping the wrist bent for long, pregnancy, family history, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid problems. Start with a neurologist, who will confirm or rule it out and tell you whether you need to see a surgeon.
Why do the thumb, index and middle fingers go numb?
That is a typical pattern of carpal tunnel syndrome. It is confirmed by an examination and a nerve conduction study, which the neurologist will order.
Why do my hands go numb at night?
Sometimes it is just posture: the arm was under your head or body for a long time, and the numbness passes once you move. If numbness and tingling in your fingers keep waking you up, this is a typical pattern of carpal tunnel syndrome, whose symptoms are usually worse at night; see a neurologist.
Left arm numbness: when should I call 103?
Most often a numb arm comes from a nerve being squeezed in the neck or at the wrist, and a neurologist deals with that. But call 103 at once if your arm suddenly becomes so weak or numb that you cannot lift it and keep it up, or if your face droops or your speech is affected, even if this passes quickly. Also call 103 if the numb arm comes with chest pain or tightness (the pain may spread to the arm, neck or jaw) or shortness of breath.
Both hands are numb: what could it be?
If both hands, and often the feet too, go numb, possible causes include diabetes and low vitamin B12; changes in the neck can also be behind it. Start with a neurologist and bring your blood sugar results if you have them. If the numbness spreads quickly through the arms and legs, especially with weakness, or breathing, swallowing or speaking becomes difficult, call 103.
Is numbness always about the spine?
No: there are many causes, from the carpal tunnel to vitamin deficiency. That is why it is better to start with a neurologist's examination, not with scans.
More in “Back and joints”
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- Knee pain
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The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.