Hand and Finger Numbness: Symptoms & Signs

Numbness of the fingers and/or hands typically is a result of conditions that affect the nerves and/or blood vessels that supply the hand. Numbness of the fingers or hands is often associated with tingling. These symptoms are referred to as paresthesia of the fingers. Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves of the extremities that often results in numbness or tingling. Longstanding or uncontrolled diabetes is one of the major causes of peripheral neuropathy. Alcohol abuse is another cause of peripheral neuropathy. A number of conditions are associated with numbness, burning, pain, or tingling of the fingers and hand, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, Raynaud's disease, and vascular diseases.

REFERENCE:

Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.

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