What do these symptoms mean? (Left arm numbness + tingling sensation) - #10043
I have tingling and numbness starting in my left arm from the armpit down to my fingertips. The tingling spread to my left shoulder and the area near my heart (left chest). I have neck pain at the base of the right side of my skull that started before the tingling. The tingling and numbness later moved down to my wrist. I feel cold and some numbness, with mild panic during the symptoms. I have not experienced dizziness, vision changes, weakness, or chest pain yet. I have had similar mild symptoms on my right side in the past.
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Doctors’ responses
Tingling and numbness in your left arm, as you described, particularly when accompanied by neck pain and the feeling extending towards the chest, can be concerning. We typically consider both neurological and cardiovascular causes in such situations. A common cause for these symptoms can be cervical radiculopathy, which occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed, often leading to pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates down the arm. This is consistent with the neck pain you mentioned. However, since there’s also involvement near your heart, we must carefully consider cardiovascular causes as well, like angina or even a heart attack, particularly given the spreading numbness and your panic sensation—which can sometimes result from decreased oxygen to the heart. It’s important not to dismiss these symptoms if there’s any possibility of them being heart-related. This combination of symptoms warrants immediate attention to rule out any serious conditions, especially if you experienced similar symptoms before. You should seek immediate medical evaluation, either by visiting an emergency department or contacting a healthcare provider promptly. They might perform diagnostic tests such as an ECG, blood tests, or an MRI of your cervical spine to differentiate between potential underlying issues. If taken lightly, these symptoms could escalate into more severe health concerns. In the meantime, avoid strenuous activities and stressful situations until you can be properly evaluated. While waiting for professional evaluation, noting down any other symptoms as they appear, or any specific triggers, can help the healthcare provider make a quicker and more precise diagnosis.
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