Left Arm Numbness and Tingling

Left arm numbness and tingling is one of the most common health complaints. While, in some cases this condition arises due to some minor health problems, like, panic attacks, dehydration, etc., it can be a symptom of something serious too. Hence, it is very necessary to consult a doctor at the earliest, to avoid possible complications. In order to fully understand the gravity of the situation, you must know more about the possible causes of left arm numbness and tingling. The following are some of the chronic medical conditions that can cause left arm numbness and tingling.

Causes of Left Arm Numbness and Tingling
While left arm numbness can be caused by conditions like the intake of some medicines, panic attacks, dehydration, fibromyalgia, hyperventilation, decompression sickness, hypothyroidism, menopause, low blood sugar, migraines, deficiency of some B vitamins, etc., there are some possible causes that should not be dismissed. So, you have to consult a doctor in order to rule out the possibility of the following major health problems, if you are experiencing left arm numbness.

Stroke
A stroke can result in the loss of brain functions due to an impaired blood supply to the brain. A stroke that occurs on one side of the brain affects the opposite side of the body. If you are feeling left arm numbness and tingling, it may be a symptom of stroke in the right side of the brain. In case of stroke, the affected person may also experience cognitive difficulties, problems in vision and speech impairment. You have seek immediate medical attention, within three to five hours of the onset of the stroke symptoms.

Mini Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A mini stroke is a temporary loss of brain function, caused by changes in blood supply to a particular area of that organ. This condition does not last for more than 24 hours and the same applies to the symptoms too. Though considered to be less fatal as compared to a stroke, a mini stroke may lead to a full blown stroke later. Left arm numbness and tingling may be one of the transient ischemic attack symptoms, if it has occurred on the right side of the brain. This condition also require immediate medical attention, to avoid future stroke attacks.

Heart Attack
Another fatal medical condition that is associated with left arm numbness and tingling is heart attack. Heart attacks may also produce additional symptoms, like chest pain or discomfort, breathing trouble, nausea, etc. This is also a life threatening condition and the affected person has to be taken to the doctor immediately.

Pinched Nerves
It is the function of the peripheral nerves (that travel from the spinal column to the limbs, to provide mobility and sensation to the hands, arms and fingers. If such a nerve gets pinched, due to reasons like, spinal arthritis, accidents or herniated discs, it stops functioning properly and fails to send the signals from the hands to the brain and vice versa. This results in numbness and tingling of the arms. If not treated properly and immediately, the pinched nerve may also die.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpel tunnel syndrome refers to an injury of the nerves in the wrist. If affected by carpal tunnel syndrome, you may experience numbness and left arm numbness causes tingling in the forearm or hand. Apart from these symptoms, there will be severe pain and weakness of that limb. This condition can be identified by pressing the base of the palm, where the median nerve is located. If there is sever pain, then it can be construed that you are having carpal tunnel syndrome. However, it has to be confirmed by consulting a medical practitioner and appropriate treatment should be taken.

Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that transports signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arms and hands. Any injury to these nerves, called brachial plexus injuries, may cause numbness or tingling in any part of the arms or hands.

Other Causes
Apart from the above said left arm numbness causes, numbness and tingling in left arm can be caused by others reasons, like a broken left shoulder, ganglion cysts, narrowed blood vessels in the left arm or any other medical condition, like, diabetes or palsy that can affect the growth of the peripheral nerves. Read more on the possible causes for tingling in left arm and left arm pain and tingling.

Now you know the possible causes for left arm numbness and tingling. This condition can be cured by treating the underlying cause. While some of the causes are life threatening, others are comparatively minor. However, if you have this condition, consult a doctor to find out the exact cause and take proper treatment.