What causes numbness in the hands accompanied by nausea and vomiting?
Aug 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
There are numerous causes of hand numbness, nausea, and vomiting. In elderly patients, cerebrovascular disease should be the primary consideration—such as brainstem or cerebellar infarction. Since brainstem and cerebellar infarctions result from arterial occlusion in the vertebrobasilar artery system, they commonly present with a constellation of neurological deficits, including nausea, vomiting, and hand numbness. Secondly, cerebral hypoperfusion should also be considered as a potential cause.
Many people frequently experience nausea and vomiting, which can significantly impact their health. Prolonged vomiting, in particular, impairs nutrient absorption and may lead to malnutrition. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly identify the underlying cause and initiate targeted treatment. But what could be causing hand numbness accompanied by nausea and vomiting?
What Causes Hand Numbness, Nausea, and Vomiting?
There are numerous potential causes for hand numbness, nausea, and vomiting. In elderly patients, cerebrovascular diseases should be considered first—such as brainstem or cerebellar infarction. These conditions result from arterial occlusion within the vertebrobasilar artery system and commonly present with neurological deficits including nausea, vomiting, and hand numbness. Secondly, insufficient cerebral blood supply should also be considered. Cerebral arteriosclerosis reduces vascular elasticity, thickens vessel walls, and narrows the lumen, leading to cerebral ischemia and hypoxia—manifesting as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and hand numbness.
Treatment for hand numbness and nausea depends on the specific diagnosis. For example, cervical spondylosis (cervical osteophyte formation) may stretch and irritate surrounding blood vessels and nerves, resulting in vertebral artery insufficiency and consequent nausea; compression of the brachial plexus may cause hand numbness. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies—including acupuncture and cervical traction—can help alleviate these symptoms. In perimenopausal women, autonomic nervous system dysfunction should also be considered. This condition arises from hormonal imbalances, leading to a constellation of clinical manifestations such as chest tightness, nausea, dizziness, headache, and limb numbness.
Patients are advised to select appropriate medications based on the confirmed etiology. Any onset of such symptoms warrants prompt medical attention—patients should seek evaluation at a hospital without delay to prevent disease progression. We hope this information proves helpful.
