Diagnostic Tests for Arm numbness

Diagnostic Test list for Arm numbness:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Arm numbness includes:

• General appearance - abnormal posture, muscle wasting, abnormal arm movements.
• Physical examination
  • May be necessary to examine a variety of joints including the cervical spine, shoulder, elbow , wrists and the various joints of the hand
  • Test muscle tone, power, reflexes and co-ordination of upper limbs
  • Test sensation of upper limbs - including pain , touch , temperature and vibration sensation.
  • Examine each nerve of the upper limb (including radial , median, ulnar nerve and also brachial plexus
  • Examination of cranial nerves - if also affected would suggest a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease , a mass in the brain, migraine or multiple sclerosis.
  • Examination of the lower limbs
• Blood tests
  • Full blood count
  • ESR
  • Electrolytes
  • Arthritis screen - (e.g. Rheumatoid factor, ENA and ANA autoantibodies ).
  • Blood sugar - to detect diabetes which can cause peripheral neuropathy and peripheral nerve lesions.
  • Thyroid function tests to diagnose hypothyroidism ( can cause carpal tunnel syndrome)
  • Syphilis antibody test if indicated
• Radiology investigations
  • Neck X-ray - look for cervical rib which may cause thoracic outlet syndrome.
  • Upper Thoracic spine X-Ray
  • Elbow, forearm, Shoulder X-ray
  • Wrist and Hand X-Ray
  • CT Scan or MRI of Cervical spine - if nil numbness of the face or cranial nerve signs - can detect nerve root entrapment in the intervertebral foramina of the cervical spine or a disc prolapse.
  • CT Brain - if also numbness of the face or cranial nerve signs to detect cerebrovascular disease , mass in brain.
  • MRI Brain and Spinal cord - to detect multiple sclerosis.
• Nerve Conduction studies
• Electromyography - to diagnose entrapment syndromes of peripheral nerves.
• Spinal tap - to help diagnose Multiple sclerosis.

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Arm numbness causes:

• Diabetes: Related Home Testing:
  • Home Diabetes Testing
  • Home Blood Glucose Test Kits
  • Home Urine Glucose Tests
  • Home Urine Ketone Tests
  • Home Diabetes HbA1c Tests
  • Home Microalbumin Tests (Kidney)
  • Home Urine Protein Tests (Kidney)
  • Home Kidney Health Tests
  • Home Eye Health Tests
• Nerve Neuropathy: Related Home Testing:
  • Home Diabetes Test Kits
  • Home Blood Glucose Testing Kits

 » Next page: Glossary

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