Arm Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have numbness or tingling in one or both arms?

See significance of numbness or tingling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Has new numbness in one or both arms come on suddenly?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have new steady numbness in one arm?

Yes

Have you had numbness checked by your doctor, but your numbness has gotten worse since you were last checked?

Yes

Do you have new steady tingling in one arm that has not gotten better with home treatment?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had ongoing numbness or tingling that comes and goes and has not been checked by your doctor?

Yes

Have you had numbness or tingling that comes and goes and has been checked by your doctor, but it is now getting worse?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	July 28, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer