Diagnostic Tests for Finger paresthesia

Diagnostic Test list for Finger paresthesia:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Finger paresthesia 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)
  • Determine the extent and limit of the finger paresthesia
  • Examine and test 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
  • Examine for reduced or absent peripheral pulses, cool peripheries, absence of hairs on peripheries to diagnose peripheral vascular disease
  • Examine for finger tip ulcers which may be a complication of Raynaud's disease or frostbite
  • Examine for any signs of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, polyarteritis nodosa, Buerger's disease, polycythaemia, leukemia, polymyositis , dermatomyositis that may cause Raynaud's phenomenon
• Blood tests
  • Full blood count, ESR, Electrolytes
  • Blood sugar to detect diabetes which can cause peripheral neuropathy and peripheral nerve lesions
  • Rheumatoid factor, ANA antibodies, ENA antibodies, dsDNA antibodies, antinuclear and anticentromere antibodies to diagnose possible causes of Raynaud's phenomenon
  • Thyroid function tests to diagnose hypothyroidism ( can cause carpal tunnel syndrome)
  • Vitamin B12, intrinsic factor antibodies (looking for pernicious anemia)
  • 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 paresthesia 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 paresthesia 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 - may assist in diagnosing Guillain-Barre syndrome.
• 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 Finger paresthesia 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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