Numbness in hands When to see a doctor

When to see a doctor

It's important to determine the cause of hand numbness. If numbness persists or spreads to other parts of your body, consult your health care provider.

Treatment of numbness in your hands depends on the cause.

Call 911 or get emergency medical help if your numbness:

Begins suddenly, particularly if you also have weakness or paralysis, confusion, trouble talking, dizziness, or a sudden, very bad headache.

Schedule an office visit if your numbness:

Begins or worsens gradually and persists.
Spreads to other parts of your body.
Affects both sides of your body.
Comes and goes.
Seems related to certain tasks or activities, particularly repetitive motions.
Affects only a part of your hand, such as a finger.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.

Causes

June 08, 2023

Numbness. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/symptoms-of-neurologic-disorders/numbness#. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Stroke. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/stroke#. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Signs and symptoms of adult brain and spinal cord tumors. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html. Accessed March 30, 2023.
De Keyser F. Ganglion cysts of the wrist and hand. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Numbness or tingling. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Numbness. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Neuropathy. American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/diabetes/neuropathy. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Raynaud's phenomenon. American College of Rheumatology. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Raynauds-Phenomenon. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Cervical spondylosis (arthritis of the neck). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/cervical-spondylosis-arthritis-of-the-neck. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Ganglion (cyst) of the wrist. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/ganglion-cyst-of-the-wrist-and-hand. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Levin K. Cervical spondylitic myelopathy. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Brachial plexus injury. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/brachial-plexus-injury. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Jankovic J, et al., eds. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Briemberg HR, et al. Approach to the patient with sensory loss. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 30, 2023.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

Advertising & Sponsorship

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

SYM-20050842

Double your impact on cancer!

Give Now

Make a gift before July 31 and it can be doubled in impact thanks to a $100,000 Summer Challenge.

Give Now

Research

Education

Research

Education

Numbness in hands

When to see a doctor

Call 911 or get emergency medical help if your numbness:

Schedule an office visit if your numbness:

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription

See also

Mayo Clinic Press

Double your impact on cancer!

About Mayo Clinic

Medical Professionals

Businesses

Medical Professionals

Businesses

Students

Students

Researchers

International Patients

Charitable Care & Financial Assistance

Follow Mayo Clinic

Get the Mayo Clinic app

Research

Education

Research

Education

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

When to see a doctor

Call 911 or get emergency medical help if your numbness:

Schedule an office visit if your numbness:

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription

See also

Mayo Clinic Press

Double your impact on cancer!

Follow Mayo Clinic

Get the Mayo Clinic app