Expert: David Richardson - 7/4/2007

Question
hi,my mom has been experiencing a "tingling feeling " in the fingers of her left hand on and off for a few hrs. she is 65 yrs/ old and in good health. she checked her blood pressure which is fine.
she is supposed to fly over seas in the next few hrs.therefore does not really feel like calling her M.D.
pinched nerve or something harmful??? or perhaps stroke????
i.e. should she seek medical attention- like immediately?
i hope you are able to answer this on ASAP...(FOR OBVIOUS REASONS)
THANKS!

Answer
Dear Miriam,

Tingling fingers are usually the result of a tight ligament in the wrist pressing on nerves, but can be sign of stroke or a transient reduction in blood flow to an area in her brain.  If it all clears up in an hour without any weakness in her fingers or tingling of the right side of her face or decrease in vision in her right eye, she can go ahead on her trip.  If any of those other symptoms develop, she should call her M.D.  If only the tingling her left fingers persist, it's o.k. to put off calling the doctor till she gets back.

Please write back if this note doesn't answer all your questions, and PLEASE let me know what she does.

David Richardson