Sudden Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet? When to Book an MRI

Have you ever experienced a sudden numbness, tingling, or "pins and needles" sensation in your hands or feet that doesn't go away? It might start subtly—perhaps while typing, walking, or even at rest—but over time, it becomes more persistent or starts interfering with daily activities.

While occasional tingling may simply be due to pressure on a nerve or poor posture, persistent or recurring symptoms could signal something more serious. At Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we often see patients with these complaints—and in some cases, a spine or brain MRI is the key to understanding what’s going on.

What Causes Numbness or Tingling in the Limbs?

Tingling (also known as paresthesia) and numbness are often caused by nerve compression, irritation, or damage. Some of the most common underlying causes include:

• Herniated or bulging discs in the neck or lower back
• Cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Nerve root compression (radiculopathy)
• Peripheral neuropathy (often linked to diabetes)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Vitamin deficiencies or autoimmune conditions

These symptoms are your body’s way of alerting you that a nerve pathway is affected—and the source could be in the spine, brain, or peripheral nerves.

When Is It Time to Get an MRI?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a powerful, non-invasive scan that provides clear images of your brain, spine, and nerve pathways. It’s often recommended when:

• Symptoms appear suddenly or worsen over time
• Tingling or numbness is persistent and one-sided
• There’s associated muscle weakness or difficulty walking
• You experience loss of coordination, balance, or bladder control
• There’s no improvement with rest, physiotherapy, or medication

An MRI can help detect disc herniation, nerve compression, spinal cord inflammation, brain lesions, and other causes that standard X-rays or CT scans might miss.

What to Expect During a Spine or Brain MRI

At DRHC Dubai, we understand that imaging can make some patients nervous—especially if it's the first time. Here’s what you can expect:

• No pain – The scan is non-invasive and doesn’t involve needles (unless contrast is used).
• No radiation – MRI uses magnets and radio waves, not X-rays.
• Takes 20–45 minutes – Depending on the area being scanned.
• You’ll lie still on a table – While the machine captures detailed images.
• Claustrophobic? – Let us know. We provide comfort measures, including sedation if needed.

Our radiology team will guide you throughout the process to ensure you're comfortable and informed every step of the way.

Common Conditions MRI Can Help Diagnose

Depending on your symptoms, a spine or brain MRI can uncover a wide range of neurological or orthopedic issues, such as:

• Cervical disc herniation causing arm tingling or weakness
• Lumbar disc disease contributing to foot numbness or leg pain
• Spinal stenosis narrows the space for nerves
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes brain or spinal cord lesions
• Peripheral nerve compression or sciatica
• Brain tumors or vascular abnormalities
• Stroke-related changes

Early diagnosis allows for more effective treatment and can help prevent long-term complications.

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