Tingling sensations within the arms and hands are caused by a variety of conditions, which typically involve injury to the nerves and vascular supply that service the upper limbs. Tingling sensations are usually characterized by their transient nature, but can indicate the start of a more serious condition resulting in longer lasting tingling episodes or complete numbness.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder characterized by the impingement and damage of the median nerve in the hand. The carpal tunnel is located in the wrist, on the palmar aspect of the hand. Stretching across the carpal tunnel is a ligament, which stabilizes the wrist bones. The median nerve; in addition to muscle tendons that originate from the front of the forearm, travel under the ligament and through the carpal tunnel. Any swelling of the tissues within the carpal tunnel compresses the median nerve resulting in tingling sensations, pain and weakness, described by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Cervical Disc Herniation
Tingling sensations down the arm, or in the hand, are not necessarily caused by direct trauma to the arm or hand. Herniated discs between the vertebrae of the neck can compromise the function of nerves that supply the arms and hands, leading to tingling sensations. Discs located in the spinal column of the neck act as shock absorbers and protect the vertebrae from daily wear and tear. If herniated, the discs can protrude into the spinal cord, impinging the nerve roots, according to NYU Langone Medical Center.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
The National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that thoracic outlet syndrome is a broad term used to describe a condition that causes tingling, numbness and pain down the arm or in the shoulder and neck. The condition is caused either by compression of the brachial plexus; a collection of nerves that exit the neck to supply the upper limbs, or from compression of the subclavian artery and vein that provide the blood supply to the upper limbs.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by pernicious anemia, or malabsorption of B12 from ingested food. Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient used in a variety of bodily processes and it plays a role in disease prevention. The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are tingling in the arms and legs, disorientation, memory loss, mood swings, numbness and difficulty walking, according to Oregon State University.
