Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPoor CirculationSleep PositionNerve Injuries and DisordersSerious Health ConditionsVitamin Deficiency
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Poor Circulation
Sleep Position
Nerve Injuries and Disorders
Serious Health Conditions
Vitamin Deficiency
Determining whether numbness occurs suddenly or gradually and whether there are other symptoms can help your healthcare provider diagnose and treat the condition.
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Poor blood circulation in your arm could cause numbness and tingling because the nerves cannot get enough oxygen. A number of conditions can interfere with normal blood flow. These include:
One of the most common examples of sudden numbness and tingling is the feeling that your arm has"fallen asleep." This usually occurs after sleeping in a poor position or leaning on the arm for a long time.
Known asparesthesia, this sensation is related to the compression or irritation of nerves.
Sleeping on your stomach is likely to cause loss of blood flow to the nerves while side sleeping may be less of a risk as long as you keep your wrists straight. Paying attention toproper spine alignment when you sleepis the best way to prevent arm numbness.
While arm numbness related to sleep positions or temporary pressure resolves on its own quickly, other nerve issues may be more serious.
Numbness that persists may be related to an injury or underlying health problem that affects thebrachial plexus, a group of nerves that runs from the lower neck to the upper shoulders and controls movement and sensation in the arms.
Possible injuries that affect these nerves include:
Diseases and disorders that can cause numbness in the arms include conditions that affect the nervous system such asmultiple sclerosis,fibromyalgia,Raynaud phenomenon, andshingles(herpes zoster).
When Numbness Is a Sign of a Serious Health Condition
Medication and Arm NumbnessThe relationship between arm numbness and medication is complex:Many medications, like Neurontin (gabapentin), can be used to alleviate the uncomfortable sensations of arm numbness.Some medications may cause numbness as a side effect.Some medications can cause complications—and arm numbness could be a symptom of the complications.Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking to determine a relationship between the medication and your sensory changes.
Medication and Arm Numbness
The relationship between arm numbness and medication is complex:Many medications, like Neurontin (gabapentin), can be used to alleviate the uncomfortable sensations of arm numbness.Some medications may cause numbness as a side effect.Some medications can cause complications—and arm numbness could be a symptom of the complications.Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking to determine a relationship between the medication and your sensory changes.
The relationship between arm numbness and medication is complex:
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking to determine a relationship between the medication and your sensory changes.
Diabetes is not the only cause of peripheral neuropathy. Nutritional deficiencies and vitamin imbalances can also damage nerves and cause a loss of sensation in the left or right arm.
The most common sources of problems are avitamin B12 deficiencyand an excess of vitamin B6.Alcohol dependence and other disorders that affect nutritional intake can also lead to nerve damage.
Summary
However, arm numbness and tingling may also occur due to neuropathy, a chronic and progressive type of nerve damage. It may also suddenly occur due to serious conditions, such as a heart attack or a stroke.
If you are experiencing a sudden onset of arm or hand numbness lasting more than a few minutes, you should seek prompt medical attention. If you’ve been having intermittent numbness in your arms or hands, you should make an appointment to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Paresthesia.
Bryan, L., Singh, A. “Numbness in Hands While Sleeping: Causes and Remedies.” Sleep Foundation.
Mount Sinai.Brachial plexopathy.
Smith SM, McMullen CW, Herring SA.Differential Diagnosis for the Painful Tingling Arm.Curr Sports Med Rep. 2021;20(9):462-469. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000877
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Vasculitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stroke signs and symptoms.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What Is a Heart Attack?
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Spinal Stenosis Basics.
Johns Hopkins.Peripheral Neuropathy.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Peripheral Neuropathy.
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