Absolute numbness in my pinky and ring fingers and sometimes, my entire arm.

by Eric
(Michigan)

Numbness and Tingling in pinky and ring finger

It seems that any time that I drink alcohol, this situation becomes worse. It happens when I go to sleep without fail. I wake up multiple times throughout the night having to "bang" my hand and sometimes my entire arm against a wall to get the feeling back.

I suppose it's important to note that I'm only 23 and in very good shape for someone my age. I eat very healthy and work out or run roughly 4 days a week. It's also probably important to note that I have cut down considerably on drinking (The last few years were practically every day).

Although it happens in both arms, I feel as if it happens more often in my left. I cannot feel a thing if I were to grab my arm with my other hand (assuming that one didn't go numb as well). And what's even more scary is that the arm that is numb cannot be moved on it's own. As hard as I try, I can't make it happen.

I've had to sit up before at night and turn side to side as hard as I can to get the feeling back. I'm really sick of this happening. And to top it off, it seems as if it's getting worse.

My doctor has not offered a reasonable explanation for this citing "Carpel Tunnel Syndrome". I have been tested for this before, and have seen a few different doctors who seem sure that I do not have carpel tunnel.

Since this only happens when I wake in the night, it's impossible for me to reduplicate the symptoms on command for my doctor. I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in the past, but I've been coping with it my entire life. I know what anxiety is, and it has never caused me an REAL physical discomfort like this has. I would LOVE your opinion on what I should do, or any disease/disorder that fits with these symptoms. I am sick of not being helped with this. I'm afraid it will only continue to get worse. I appreciate any feedback you could give me.

Hello Eric,
It's unlikely that your drinking has anything to do with this, unless you fall asleep in a sitting position. That's very hard on your neck, and can also cause a condition called Erb's palsy that should perhaps be considered, but I think unlikely.

Your doctor isn't too hot on neurology, I'm afraid, Carpal tunnel NEVER goes to the ring finger and pinkie.

There are three possible common causes, and then a host of less likely. Firstly, you don't sleep on your tum, do you? That can certainly cause these symptoms.

Secondly, when you have an attack, immediately put your hand on your head. Does it relieve the symptoms? This points to a condition in your neck.

Thirdly, a Thoracic Outlet syndrome can cause tingling in the hand, and especially the outermost fingers as the lowermost branch of the brachial plexus lies immediately on the first rib. Type the term into the Search function at C-H.

That inability to move your arm is of concern.

Do you have any pain / discomfort in the neck? Does turning to the left, and then looking up cause any symptoms in your neck or arm?

What is needed is a careful and thorough examination of your neck and arm. The reflexes, muscle strength, the ability to feel, various orthopaedic tests including Adson's test, and an X-ray and possibly a scan.

I haven't said much about the alcohol, but heavy drinking, especially if coupled with a poor diet can certainly cause a peripheral neuropathy. A few beers every night certainly won't cause this, but if you are into a half bottle of spirits every night... it causes amongst other things a B1 deficiency, so you might start with a B complex. Alcohol makes a good servant, but a very bad master, but you already know that, I'm sure.

You should pursue this, Eric. It is serious. Let me know the answers to my questions, keeping to this thread.

I hope this has contributed.

Dr B