tingling in forearms thumbs and finger tips

by Teri
(MI)

Can breathing treatments and/or steriods cause tingling in inside of forearm, thumbs and finger tips? Is it something to be concerned about?

Yes, Teri, neurological symptoms are always of concern. It will however take careful examination to find the source of the tingling.

Not sure what your breathing treatments are, but the brachial plexus - the nerves from the lower neck to the arm - pass over the first rib, close to the apex of the lung, so both lung conditions and perhaps the treatment, since that would involve inter alia the first rib, could perhaps be involved.

I think it unlikely that steriod treatment would be the cause, but there you should ask your doctor. That in any event should be your first port of call. Talk to him/her about your symptoms, and thereafter consider seeing a chiropractor to examine your lower neck, the first rib and the pronator teres muscles in the forearms.

For more info, punch "carpal tunnel syndrome" and "thoracic outlet syndrome" into the Search this site function at C-H.

I hope this contributes.

Dr B