Loss of feeling in likkle finger

[IndieSinger]

About three times a day and for about 10 minutes at a time, the feeling goes from the tip of my (left) little finger. The loss of feeling radiates outwards and is fully regained by the base of the finger and half-way across the fourth finger. It can occur at random times, even if I'm lying in bed. I guess the sensation can be likened to pins and needles - there's no pain whatsoever, just a loss of feeling (if I scratch my head with that finger, I can feel myself being scratched, but I can't feel myself doing the scratching). What is it and should I do anything about it?

[Artemis]

Strange I've(had) the same thing. I thought it was CarpelTunnel Syndrome but according to the Doc it's not. He didn't have an answer and seems to be not as severe lately. Just about two thirds down the small left finger.

I'll be watching the answers with interest. 

[Hendrix55]

I get this in all my fingers (but not thumbs...) all the time!! It's so annoying!

I think it is due to the constriction of blood vessels which then prevents blood flow to the tips of fingers and feeling is lost. As far as I know it is harmless, but there is a severe version of teh condition called Reynard's Disease.

[Litchick]

This has been happening to me except that the "pins and needles has been also in my neck and jaw.  I had the good fortune of going to my dentist for a cleaning.  I mentioned it to him and within 10 seconds he diagnosed me with TMJ (or clenching of the teeth), which if severe, can absolutely give the pins and needles not only down to the fingers but to the chest, shoulders, neck and jaw as well. 

[smudge]

I also used to get this a lot & x-rays & scans showed that I had a trapped/pinched nerve in my neck!

I eventually had a steriod injection which got rid of the neck pain, but I still occasionally wake up with 'dead' fingers. It soon wears off though, so I just put up with it these days. Good luck.

[oxeyedaisy]

try taking b12 and b complex..you can get it from the health shop get the 500 size in the b12 and take twice a day..its not toxic and no side effects it wont hurt you it helps to repair nerves and you may just have dipped a bit low in b12 as the liver stores it and being low can cause symptoms like that..its worth a try.. 

[Artemis]

thanks smudge, just remembered the Doc did say it might be a pinched nerve in the neck.

[SteveD]

Have a look here to see if it describes your symptoms:

http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/926055412.html

[jake-the-peg]

This is amazing, I never realised so many people had this. I developed it about ten or fifteen years ago scuba diving in a gravel pit in January ( yes, I know ).

Mine only normally occurs if my hands get cold - I guess it's my hands threatening me not to do that again! 

[Artemis]

Mine definately isn't 'Raynauds' as the temp doesn't make any difference and hand/fingers are not cold, just numb.