What causes sudden dizziness, numbness, and weakness in the hands?

Jun 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, sudden dizziness, numbness, and weakness in the hands may be caused by poor posture, excessive fatigue, cervical spondylosis, transient ischemic attack (TIA), cerebral hemorrhage, or other factors. In daily life, it is advisable to undergo regular physical examinations, monitor indicators such as blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood glucose, and promptly identify health issues. At the same time, appropriate physical exercise should be carried out to enhance physical fitness, improve vascular elasticity, and increase the body's tolerance.

Generally, sudden symptoms of dizziness, numbness, and weakness in the hands may be caused by poor posture, excessive fatigue, cervical spondylosis, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or cerebral hemorrhage. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and receive treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Poor Posture

Maintaining poor posture for extended periods, such as looking down at a phone or computer for long durations or sleeping with a pillow that is too high or too firm, can cause the neck muscles to remain tense. This tension may compress the blood vessels and nerves in the neck, potentially causing sudden dizziness. It is recommended to maintain correct sitting and standing postures, avoid prolonged periods of looking downward, and appropriately exercise the neck and shoulders to relax the muscles after extended work or study periods.

2. Excessive Fatigue

When the body experiences excessive fatigue, significant energy is consumed, potentially lowering blood glucose levels and leading to insufficient energy supply to the brain, which may cause sudden dizziness. Additionally, excessive fatigue can cause muscle fatigue and lactic acid buildup, affecting normal muscle contraction and relaxation functions, resulting in numbness and weakness in the hands. It is important to manage work and life properly, avoid prolonged continuous work or high-intensity exercise, and ensure adequate rest and sleep.

3. Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is typically caused by chronic strain on the cervical spine, bone spurs, or herniated discs. Cervical spine disorders can cause narrowing of the space between cervical vertebrae, compressing the vertebral artery and nerve roots in the neck. Compression of the vertebral artery reduces blood supply to the brain, causing the aforementioned symptoms, while nerve root compression leads to impaired nerve conduction in the upper limbs, causing numbness and weakness in the hands. It may also be accompanied by neck pain and stiffness. Patients can take medications such as Jingfukang granules, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, meloxicam tablets, etc., under a doctor's guidance.

4. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A transient ischemic attack is mainly caused by cerebral atherosclerosis, vascular stenosis, changes in blood composition, and other factors leading to insufficient blood supply to the brain. When cerebral blood flow is compromised, sudden dizziness may occur. Additionally, neurological functions controlled by the affected ischemic area may be impaired, causing numbness and weakness in the hands. It may also be accompanied by slurred speech, blurred vision, and abnormal sensations. Patients can take medications such as nifedipine controlled-release tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, etc., as advised by a doctor.

5. Cerebral Hemorrhage

Cerebral hemorrhage is often caused by hypertension, cerebral arteriosclerosis, or cerebral vascular malformations, leading to rupture and bleeding of blood vessels in the brain. Blood accumulation in the brain forms a hematoma, compressing surrounding brain tissue, increasing intracranial pressure, and causing sudden dizziness and headache. Additionally, the hematoma may compress nerve conduction pathways, causing numbness and weakness in the hands. Patients may also experience vomiting, impaired consciousness, limb paralysis, and other symptoms. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as mannitol injection, tranexamic acid injection, vitamin K1 tablets, etc., for treatment.

In daily life, regular medical check-ups are recommended to monitor blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose, and other indicators to detect health issues promptly. Additionally, appropriate physical exercise should be performed to enhance physical fitness, improve vascular elasticity, and increase the body's tolerance.

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