It is important to see a doctor if the numbness is persistent or spreads to other parts of the body, recommends Mayo Clinic. If the numbness comes and goes or affects both sides of the body, schedule an appointment with a physician. It is also a good idea to see a doctor if the numbness is associated with repetitive motions or other activities or tasks, or if the numbness only affects one part of the hand, a finger for example.Continue Reading
It is important to seek immediate emergency medical attention if the numbness is accompanied by dizziness, weakness, difficulty talking or confusion, according to Mayo Clinic. Other signs of an urgent medical emergency include numbness accompanied by paralysis or a severe, sudden headache.
Numbness in the hands can be cause by many different underlying health conditions, notes Mayo Clinic. In order to diagnose the cause of the numbness, a doctor requires detailed information about the symptoms. Before recommending treatment, a doctor may also perform tests to determine the cause of the numbness.
Possible causes of numbness in the hand include chronic alcohol abuse, carpal tunnel syndrome, HIV/AIDS and Lyme disease, states Mayo Clinic. Hand numbness can also be caused by Type 2 diabetes, syphilis, multiple sclerosis or an injury to the spinal cord.
A Vitamin B-12 deficiency, ganglion cyst, Raynaud's disease or Sjogren's syndrome are possible causes of numb hands, notes Mayo Clinic. People with syringomyelia, paraneoplastic syndromes of the nervous system, an ulnar nerve compression or Guillain-Barre syndrome may also experience numb hands.Learn more about Pain & Symptoms