what is numbness in fingetips/palm called ?

[AsOne]

...
hi, haven't been on the forum for awhile
I'm male, 47,
long time with hiv (15 years )
it's been a year since last check up ( was fine then )
my meds work
but on jan. 23/12 noticed numbness or tingles in left hand fingertips
today it's spread to my left palm also
am otherwise okay

what is this called ?
is there a treatment that makes it go away ?
info links that may help ?
(thanks for your time and attention )

[Tempeboy]

Hey mate,

The medical term is parathesia, and there can be many causes - most not related to HIV.

What meds are you taking for HIV?

Are you taking any other meds or supplements?

Any other health conditions?

Recently strained your neck? (The nerves that provide sensation info to the brain go through the 'Cervical Complex' in the neck).

Get it checked by your doc - if it is HIV related then the sooner you act the better.

Take care

TB

[leatherman]

talking some older meds has been related to peripheral neuropathy.

you might want to check out whether that side effect has been reported in meds that you have taken (check out meds at this page http://www.aidsmeds.com/list.shtml) and then speak to your doctor.

[Miss Philicia]

Neuropathy is generally symmetric in nature, so the fact that you have it one hand would lead one to suspect this is something else.

[AsOne]

...
I'll get blood work done next week
can't get an appointment until late March
neuropathy sounds right
Truvada and Nevirapine are my meds
must be a side effect, I'm guessing
no to the neck question

thanks to all
that was helpful

[mikeyb39]

Hi Asone,
you might want to see if you may be having carpal tunnel syndrome.  Do you work on computers or work with you hands a lot?  Sometimes it doesn't have to be the older drugs to cause neuropathy.  The drugs in Atripla started causing numbness in different parts of my body, hands, arm, feet etc.  i switched and it seems to be getting better, but may take a while. Certainly bring it up to you doc next visit, don't just don't ignore it.

[Ann]

neuropathy sounds right

Med-related neuropathy doesn't sound right as when it's med-related, it affects both sides of the body, not just the right or left. Also, hiv med-related neuropathy usually starts in the feet, not the hands.

It's more likely to be a mechanical issue (strained back or neck muscle pinching a nerve, or over-use of your left hand causing CTS as mentioned) than it is to be med-related, going by how you've described it.

But yes, talk to your doctor about it. It may be worth seeing if you can get an earlier appointment with your GP instead of waiting for your hiv appointment. We cannot diagnose anything here, we can only offer possible suggestions. Good luck!