Arm numbness in one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) arms is an uncommon condition in which you experience a lack of sensation. Over the length of the arm and into the hands and fingers, the sensation can extend.

Arm numbness normally results from a lack of blood flow to an area or damage to the nerves. Infection, inflammation, trauma, malignancy, and other abnormal processes may also result in arm numbness. Most cases of arm numbness are not due to a life-threatening disease.

Arm numbness is often associated or followed by paresthesia called pain-like pins-and-needles, prickling, or burning sensations.

Paralysis involves a lack of movement, with or without the loss of sensation in the area, whereas arm numbness is a loss of sensation.

What other symptoms of arm numbness may occur?

With other symptoms or a combination of symptoms, arm numbness may occur. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may be numbness, tingling and itchiness in combination, for instance. Arm numbness may be associated with intense pain that stretches down the shoulder, arm, and some fingers because of a bulging cervical disk (in your neck).

Symptoms that could appear along with numbness of the arm

Arm numbness with other symptoms can occur, including:

• Burning feeling
• Cold arm or fingers
• Increased numbness of the arm or tingling when typing or writing Itching feeling
• Spasms in the muscles
• Neck pain
• Pins and needles (prickling) sensation
• Rash
• Sensitivity to touch
• Pain in the back, arm, wrist, or fingers
• Twitching

Extreme symptoms that may suggest a life-threatening disease

Arm numbness can occur in some cases, with other symptoms that may suggest a severe or life-threatening condition that should be treated immediately in an emergency environment. If you or someone you are with shows any of these life-threatening signs, get urgent help:

• Arm numbness following a head, neck, or back injury
• For even a brief moment, confusion or loss of consciousness Difficulty breathing
• Walking Difficulty
• Dizziness
• Loss of vision or changes in vision
• Paralysis
• Slurred speech
• Sudden numbness
• Feebleness (loss of strength)

What causes arm numbness?

Arm numbness may be a symptom of a wide range of illnesses, disorders, or conditions that either limit blood flow or trigger nerve damage.

After excessive pressure on a nerve or nerves, temporary arm numbness can occur, such as fine motor activities (drawing) or sleeping on your arm the wrong way.

With moderate to severe orthopaedic and circulatory conditions, arm numbness may occur, as well as disorders and diseases that damage the nervous system. In certain situations, numbness is a sign of a severe or life-threatening illness that should be assessed in an emergency environment as soon as possible.

Anaemia. A pinched nerve, fractured bone, or stroke may be responsible for numbness in one arm.