What Causes Numbness in Both Hands?
Jun 03, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Shilei
Introduction
1. Cervical spondylosis: Compression of the brachial plexus due to cervical spine degeneration.
2. Pre-stroke (transient ischemic attack): Numbness occurs in the region controlled by cerebral vessels when vascular occlusion develops.
3. Diabetes mellitus: Finger numbness is often an important manifestation of peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes.
4. Cerebral ischemia: Elderly patients with hypertension or hyperlipidemia may experience finger numbness.
Many middle-aged and elderly individuals have experienced numbness in their hands, whereas younger people may be relatively unfamiliar with this symptom. In fact, hand or foot numbness is not always as simple as it appears on the surface—it may result not only from prolonged maintenance of a single posture but also from underlying medical conditions. So, what causes bilateral hand numbness? Below, we provide answers to this question.
Causes of Bilateral Hand Numbness
1. Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is the most common cause of bilateral hand numbness—and also a highly prevalent condition. In patients with cervical spondylosis, degenerative changes in the cervical spine compress the brachial plexus nerves, leading to numbness in the fingers. Besides finger numbness, these patients often experience shoulder and neck soreness, radiating pain in the upper limbs, or restricted limb mobility.
2. Premonitory Signs of Stroke
When cerebral blood vessels become obstructed, resulting in cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, the brain regions they control may manifest sensory disturbances—including hand numbness. Concurrently, patients may experience dizziness, vertigo, nausea, or motor impairment—these are all potential warning signs preceding a stroke.
3. Diabetes
Persistent finger numbness accompanied by aching pain warrants suspicion of diabetes. Typically, finger numbness represents a key manifestation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, in perimenopausal women, mild finger numbness—without other prominent symptoms—may indicate perimenopausal syndrome.
4. Cerebral Ischemia
Elderly individuals with hypertension or hyperlipidemia who develop finger numbness may be experiencing transient cerebral ischemia. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia can induce vasospasm or arterial sclerosis; combined with age-related increases in blood viscosity, these factors predispose older adults to transient cerebral ischemic episodes, which may manifest as finger numbness.
The above outlines the primary causes of bilateral hand numbness. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
