What causes numbness in hands and feet while riding in a car?

In general, numbness in the hands and feet during car travel may be caused by conditions such as local ischemia, cervical spondylosis, cerebral nerve stimulation, increased intracranial pressure, or cerebral infarction. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Local Ischemia

Remaining in the same position for a prolonged period while riding in a vehicle may reduce blood flow through the arteries, leading to localized insufficient blood supply. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness and numbness in the hands and feet. Patients can relieve numbness through massage. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, engaging in moderate exercise, and enhancing overall immunity are recommended in daily life.

2. Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a clinical syndrome caused by degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Improper neck posture during car travel may exacerbate cervical spondylosis, compressing nerves and resulting in symptoms such as numbness in the limbs. Patients may take medications such as estazolam tablets or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules under medical guidance.

3. Cerebral Nerve Stimulation

The constant motion of a vehicle during travel may affect the brain's balance function, stimulating cerebral nerves and causing motion sickness and numbness in the hands and feet. It is recommended that patients use medications such as diazepam tablets, diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablets, or difenidol hydrochloride tablets under a doctor’s supervision.

4. Increased Intracranial Pressure

Patients with pre-existing conditions such as intracranial infections or cerebral hemorrhage may experience elevated intracranial pressure while traveling by car, leading to symptoms like motion sickness and limb numbness. Treatment typically involves intravenous administration of dehydrating and diuretic agents—such as glycerol fructose injection or hypertonic sodium bicarbonate injection—under medical direction. In severe cases, procedures such as ventricular puncture drainage or tracheotomy may be required under a physician’s guidance.

5. Cerebral Infarction

Cerebral infarction refers to localized cerebral ischemia and tissue necrosis due to impaired blood supply, resulting in neurological deficits. If major vessels in the central nervous system are affected, cerebral infarction may occur, manifesting as limb numbness, hemiplegia, dizziness, and other symptoms. Patients may be treated with medications such as edaravone injection, citicoline sodium injection, or rivaroxaban tablets as directed by a physician.

Besides the above, other possible causes include cerebral hemorrhage or spinal cord lesions. If symptoms are severe, patients should seek medical attention promptly. After identifying the underlying cause, targeted treatment and management should be conducted under a doctor's supervision.