I've noticed over the last few months (perhaps as much as a year) that I seem to have lost a lot of sensation in my hands and fingers.

I have trouble picking up small-ish objects nuts, bolts, pens, things that size. It seems to improve if I look closely at what I'm trying to pick up vs. just reaching for it.

Also, I'm constantly dropping things. It seems like the dropping things is because I'm not gripping them firmly enough but don't realize it until I drop it.

I still have good grip strength and overall muscle tone, it seems more like a lack of sensitivity.

No symptoms of carpal tunnel - no tingling or numbness.

Are there tests to determine what might be causing this, and are there treatments for it?

Is it worth mentioning to my doctor or is this just another of the joys of aging? I'll be 70 in October if that's germane.

Definitely worth bringing up, also worth getting a neurological referral. Could be a lot of things potentially going on.

I have neuropathy due to my chemo treatments. My doc started me on Cymbalta. Which when I started reading about it, is an anti anxiety anti depressant. You get about halfway through the literature and it starts talking about nerve pain, neuropathy.

I just started in a low dose and it has had zero effect. Good luck and I wish you well.

Is it equal, left and right? Do you have neck pain?

Sometimes it is nerve compression, typically from loss of disc height. However that usually presents as more on one side. Occasionally a central disc bulge can cause bilateral issues, but I would expect pain to accompany the other issues.

Never assume age related anything until organic reversible causes have been ruled out. Talk to your doc for a complete diagnostic workup.

I would suggest seeing a general neurologist. It does not appear to be age related. The biggest cause is diabetes, heavy alcohol use over many years, nutritional defiencies and as someone mentioned side effect of chemotherapy. Nerve conduction studes and a careful history make the diagnosis.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
I would suggest seeing a general neurologist. It does not appear to be age related. The biggest cause is diabetes, heavy alcohol use over many years, nutritional defiencies and as someone mentioned side effect of chemotherapy. Nerve conduction studes and a careful history make the diagnosis.

Thanks all. Just as additional information, I'm not diabetic, don't drink at all (did, but quit 25 years ago) and not on chemo.

It is bilateral. I notice it more on the left side because I'm left-handed but have the same issue with the right hand. No unusual neck pain.

I'll mention it to the Doc on my next visit.

quote:

neurologist

yes, see a neurologist who will likely order an EMG and nerve conduction test that will help isolate and identify the problem. don't assume it's "old age". It may be something that could be easily resolved

quote:

I'll mention it to the Doc on my next visit.

Paul - if your next visit isn’t for a while you should call and see if they can start addressing this sooner. As mentioned all sorts of things can cause this, and any relatively sudden onset of something like that is worth pursuing.

Us guys tend to power through stuff that could be more easily addressed early on. In addition to above tests don’t be surprised if they order an MRI of head and neck. Bring earplugs!

Good luck!

Any possibility of pesticide exposure? Significant neurotoxins out there.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGfourme:
Any possibility of pesticide exposure? Significant neurotoxins out there.

Nothing stronger than Sevin liquid.

I have very similar symptoms. Mine are caused by Guillain Barré Syndrome, which hit me pretty hard about four years ago. I spent a week in hospital, had a couple of IVIG transfusions, and then a few months of physical therapy.

I have recovered, probably 70% to 80%.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
Never assume age related anything until organic reversible causes have been ruled out. Talk to your doc for a complete diagnostic workup.

A hearty 3 thumbs up for this advice. I'll just add this, do NOT EVER hide any symptom from your Primary Care Physician, even if you are afraid it's Cancer.

BTW, a cancer caught early can be treated and "cured". Put off telling the doctor until it's at Stage 4 and YOU WILL DIE. While some treatments can extend your life for a few years it is an absolute certainty that stage 4 Cancers are always fatal.

Get your symptoms checked sooner rather than later. I have CMT syndrome, which is a degenerative nerve disorder. A few years back I started having the symptoms you described as well as weakness in my arms. I thought it was the CMT, but it turned out to be bad discs in my neck. Had I waited I could have done permanent damage to the affected nerves.

Edited for spelling.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SgtGold,

Go see a doctor ASAP. I put off some pain in my left hand, arm and neck and now I have nerve damage from a bulging disk on a nerve.

I wish I wasn’t hard headed thinking it would go away. Now my left hand thumb,first and second finger all tingle all the time because of it.

Go see a doctor, call Monday and schedule an appointment.

You will absolutely need to see a neurologist; and will likely need an MRI of the neck or other imaging. These days even more than usual, these referrals and procedures may take much longer than you would like—-maybe months depending on where you live.
It’s also not unusual to not be happy with the first specialist you see, and you might need a second opinion.
So let’s get on it, brother.