Sensory disturbances in the arms – causes, treatment and prevention

Various abnormal sensations in the arms are referred to as sensory disturbances in the arms, which can be traced back to a wide variety of causes. The symptoms can be very different. A tingling sensation or the typical “pins and needles” are often reported. Numbness , burning, itching, stinging, pressure and tension are also common sensory disturbances in the arm area. Overall, it can be said that various sensory disturbances in the arms are possible, which can be roughly divided into two different groups.

First, there are perceptions of a different nature, which include all of the symptoms mentioned above. On the other hand, a disturbed perception of sensory stimuli can occur. With these, a wide variety of sensory stimuli will be perceived either differently, stronger or weaker. These include disorders of touch sensitivity, pain sensitivity and temperature perception. A complete absence of stimulus perception can also occur.

Symptoms can occur on one or both sides. In some diseases, the symptoms appear only temporarily, in others they remain permanent. The causes of sensory or emotional disorders are very diverse. Neurological complaints, mostly neuropathies, are often present. Accompanying the existing sensory disturbances, pain and muscle paralysis can also occur. As a definition, it can be stated that sensory disturbances of the arms are different disturbances of sensitivity in the arms, which can be attributed to various causes.

causes

The causes of sensory and sensory disturbances in the arms can be very diverse. Damage to the nerves is often the reason for the sensory disturbance. These diseases of the peripheral nerves, known as neuropathies, are not due to traumatic damage. A common cause of neuropathy is diabetes mellitus.Neuropathies as a concomitant disease of diabetes mellitus are referred to as diabetic polyneuropathy if several nerves are affected, which is usually the case. In almost all cases, diabetic polyneuropathy begins in the lower extremities. In this context, the so-called “diabetic foot” often occurs. Diabetic polyneuropathy is mostly “ascending”, ie after it has started in the lower extremities, neuropathies in higher-lying areas also gradually appear.

Another possible cause is disturbed nerve conduction, which is commonly referred to as the arm “falling asleep”. This is harmless in almost every case and is due to staying in one position for too long or lying on the affected arm. This “falling asleep” is triggered by the fact that the supply of oxygen or nutrients to the nerve is disrupted by unfavorable positioning. In this case, the resulting numbness or tingling can be understood as a warning signal to change the position of the arm as quickly as possible. This change of position is usually sufficient to put an end to the numbness of the arm.

Other possible causes of sensory disturbances in the arms are disturbances in the blood vessels. Circulatory disorders in the arms, varicose veins , varicose veins and so-called “spider veins” are possible triggers of the discomfort.

Sensory disturbances in the arms often occur after injuries that are associated with nerve damage. Fractures are particularly noteworthy here. Dislocations are also a possible cause. Abnormal sensations such as numbness, tingling or a disturbed sensitivity to touch are often observed after dislocations of the shoulder joint, an upper and lower arm fracture, after frostbite and whiplash . What these triggers have in common is that damage or impairment of the nerves occurs, which is ultimately responsible for the various sensory disturbances and abnormal sensations that occur.

In people who suffer from migraines, tingling in the arms can be a precursor to a migraine attack. In this context, it is to be regarded as harmless. A so-called herniated disc can also lead to sensory disturbances in the arms.

Other disturbances or damage to the nerves that can lead to sensory disturbances in the arms are various pinched nerves, such as can occur with carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms mentioned can also occur in the case of sciatica as a result of nerve irritation or entrapment.

Certain infectious diseases, such as the viral disease herpes zoster (shingles) and Lyme disease caused by bacteria, lead to sensory disturbances in the arms, among other things. In the diseases mentioned, this is due to inflammation of the nerves caused by the pathogen. In addition to the polyneuropathies already mentioned, it should be added that these can also occur in the context of alcoholism . This so-called “alcoholic polyneuropathy” or “alcohol polyneuropathy” listed in the ICD under G62.1 occurs in around 20-40% of all alcoholics. If nerves in the arms are affected by alcoholic polyneuropathy, the typical symptoms also occur here, which also include various sensory disturbances.

Other neurological diseases that are associated with sensory disturbances in the extremities, especially the arms, are Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis . In the context of Parkinson’s disease, pain and discomfort occur, some of which can also occur as initial symptoms of the disease. This often leads to misdiagnoses, since orthopedic diseases such as shoulder-arm syndrome are suspected to be behind the symptoms. The discomfort varies, sometimes there is also a burning sensation in the extremities. If fluctuations (fluctuations in mobility after taking levodopamine for a long time) occur in patients, the “off state”, the phase of inability to move, leads to sometimes unbearable pain.

Sensory disturbances in the arms (and legs) can be a first sign of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis usually develops relatively quickly and without prior “announcement”. In more than a third of patients, multiple sclerosis begins with sensory disturbances. A stroke , restless legs syndrome, vitamin deficiency syndromes, magnesium or iron deficiency , hyperventilation, anxiety and panic attacks, brain tumors, spinal cord tumors, an ” open spine “, heavy metal poisoning and side effects of various medications, especially chemotherapeutic agents, can trigger sensory disturbances.

Diseases

• Neuropathien

• nervous disorders

• Diabetes mellitus

• Diabetic foot

• polyneuropathy

• circulatory disorders

• fracture

When to the doctor?

If the sensory disturbances in the arms occur due to an unfavorable arm position during the night’s sleep, no further measures are necessary. The blood circulation was disturbed and will regulate itself automatically within a few minutes when awake. If the arm is held above the head for a longer period of time, sensory disturbances also occur. As soon as the arm position is changed, the disturbances will soon disappear naturally.

If the sensory disturbances in the arms are regularly present and they occur for no apparent reason, such as an incorrect arm position, a doctor should be consulted. There is a possibility that there is a deficiency in the organism that needs to be clarified. If the disorders in the arms spread further into the hands or upper body, more detailed examinations by a doctor are necessary.

If you have additional symptoms such as pain, memory problems, restricted mobility, shortness of breath or vision problems, you should consult a doctor immediately. There is a risk that this is an emergency situation that needs urgent investigation.

If the person concerned finds the sensory disturbances in the arms to be stressful or impairing for himself and his lifestyle, a doctor should always be consulted. If the sensory disturbances in the arms restrict movement, a doctor should be consulted. In the long term, there is a risk of poor posture.

diagnosis and course

When making a diagnosis, it is important to pay attention to the information provided by the patient. This is usually followed by a basic physical examination and neurological diagnostics. Among other things, the reflexes and the feeling are checked. Further examinations, such as blood tests , computer tomography , electroneurography or electromyography may then be necessary. Overall, the diagnosis depends on the symptoms that occur and the symptoms described by the patient.

complications

In the case of sensory disturbances in the arms, injuries after accidents or falls lead to an incorrect assessment of the extent of the lesions present. In some cases, these result in irreparable damage to the skin, bones or muscles. The sensory disturbances in the arms are expressed through tingling or itching. If you give in, scratching will damage your skin. Some people experience permanent damage to individual layers of skin. Infections and inflammations are also possible.

The sensory disturbances in the arms lead to altered movements. Tensions or stiffening of the muscles appear. The arms, neck and shoulders are particularly affected. The complaints trigger pain and poor posture of the upper body. If the condition is prolonged, there will be changes in the skeletal muscles.

The sensory disturbances can lead to an uncomfortable experience when wearing clothes. The friction of clothing on the skin triggers the disturbances and activates them with every movement. Often there are also psychological problems.

In addition to reduced well-being, there are mood swings and interpersonal problems. In severe cases, there is a risk of depression or social isolation. Participation in social life is reduced. The sensory disturbances in the arms can expand. This applies in particular to damage to the nerves or muscle fibers.

treatment and therapy

The therapy depends on the existing cause and can therefore not be clearly described. If the symptoms accompany an underlying disease, such as diabetes mellitus or MS, this underlying disease must be treated. In the case of the various polyneuropathies, the therapy also depends on the cause of the disease. Overall, it can be said that the possible therapies depend on the existing causes and differ greatly.

outlook and prognosis

In some cases, these disorders can be caused by a pinched nerve, in which case they are only temporary. The symptoms usually disappear after a few minutes or hours and there are no further restrictions. However, if the sensory disturbances in the arms last longer and do not go away on their own, a doctor must be consulted. Sensory disturbances in the arms can occur, especially after a stroke. However, whether these can be treated and limited cannot be predicted in general. Those affected may then be dependent on the help of other people in their lives.

Sensory disturbances in the arms can also occur after serious accidents and significantly reduce the quality of life of the person affected. It is also not possible to predict whether this will continue to improve. In some cases, the symptoms can be resolved with medication or surgery. However, the exact course of this complaint depends heavily on its cause.

prevention

Certain forms can be prevented. It is important to give up smoking and moderate alcohol consumption at most, as this can prevent circulatory disorders and alcoholic polyneuropathies. Sport strengthens the muscles and therefore also serves as a preventive measure. Sport also strengthens the heart and stimulates blood circulation. Correct control of the disease is important for diabetics, as this can prevent diabetic polyneuropathy.