You have probably already woken up with a hand or arm completely numb, as if numbed. Although this sensation only lasts a few minutes, it nevertheless remains very unpleasant. Other times, it’s tingling that appears in your fingers. Should we be alarmed? When to consult? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, enlightens us.
Numbness or tingling: two symptoms, two realities
“Numbness and paresthesia (tingling, tingling) are often confused, but they do not have the same origin or the same severity.“, explains Dr Gérald Kierzek straight away.
Paresthesias, often described as a sensation of “ants in the fingers”, are benign in the majority of cases. They generally disappear as soon as you move the limb.
“They can be linked to nerve compression as in carpal tunnel syndrome, poor circulation, or deficiencies (vitamin B12, magnesium)“, specifies Dr. Kierzek. Other possible causes: early diabetes leading to mild neuropathy, or prolonged poor posture – such as sleeping in an uncomfortable position, causing the famous “hand that falls asleep at night”.
When numbness becomes a warning signal
But be careful: if we are talking about numbness in an arm, it is no longer simply a question of discomfort, but of a motor problem.
“This numbness can be caused by nerve damage, a herniated cervical disc, or even a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). They must be taken very seriously, especially if they appear suddenly“, insists the emergency doctor.
Signs that should alert
Faced with a loss of sensation, the first question to ask yourself is simple: can I move? If the answer is no, or the movement is reduced, you must act quickly.
“Call 15 immediately if you observe any of these signs.”warns Dr. Kierzek.
- A clear muscular weakness, such as a hand that “falls”, or a finger that cannot be moved;
- Numbness accompanied by trouble speaking or seeing, which may indicate a stroke;
- Asymmetrical symptoms, affecting only one side of the body;
- Loss of coordination or feeling of “dead limb” after trauma, fall or shock.
“These signs can reveal serious damage: spinal cord compression, multiple sclerosis, severe neuropathy, or even Charcot disease in the rarest cases.“, he adds.
What if it’s not an emergency?
Not all tingling sensations require a call to emergency services. But if they become frequent or chronic, they should not be neglected either. According to Dr. Kierzek, a medical consultation is necessary if:
- You feel frequent tingling at night or during the day, always in the same hand;
- You have the impression of a lasting loss of sensitivity, even partial;
- You have recently noticed changes in your muscle strength.
“It is then preferable to consult a general practitioner or a neurologist, to explore potential causes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, certain deficiencies, diabetes or neuropathy, among others.“, he advises.
The paralysis of lovers, an impressive but not serious phenomenon
There are also more anecdotal, but spectacular, cases. Have you ever heard of “lovers paralysis”?
“Also called ‘Saturday night syndrome’ or ‘honeymoon syndrome’, it occurs when one partner falls asleep on the other’s arm, causing prolonged compression of the radial nerve“, explains Dr Gérald Kierzek. Result: when you wake up, the arm or hand no longer moves, sometimes accompanied by tingling or a feeling of cold.
Don’t panic: “It is a transient paralysis linked to the temporary interruption of nerve signals, which usually disappears spontaneously within a few minutes after gently massaging and mobilizing the affected limb.“, he reassures. “But if the symptoms persist or repeat, a medical consultation is necessary.“