Tingling and numbness in both hands

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have tingle in BOTH of my hands , probably 40% of the day, sometimes they go numb and i drop whatever is in my hand..

Dear Lora: Your symptoms may indicate various conditions like the following

1) Carpal Tunnel syndrome : Usually due to excessive work on the computer where the hand and the wrist is not in the normal anatomic position thus leading to compression of the median nerve at the level of the wrist and thus leading to tingling and numbness and weakness of the hands more on the thumb , index and middle finger area.

2) A stroke or Transient Ischemic attack: Decreased blood supply to the brain thus leading to numbness and weakness along with other signs like slurred speech , drooping of one side of the face, +/- numbness in lower limbs. disbalance ,+/- loss of consiousness

3) Cervical Spondylosis: Due to herniated intreverteral disc (disc present between the vertebra) in the cervical area leading to compression of the nerves supplying the arms and hands thus leading to similar symptoms.

I would advice you to go the the ER immediately in case the numbness and weakness are of acute onset and are accompanied by other signs of stroke. If not then you can try conservative methods like a night splint and modification of position while sitting on the computer enabling a more ergonomic posture and you may need to consult your GP for a physical examination and xray.