How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Hand Numbness/Tingling in Children

Audience: pediatric

Hand numbness or tingling in children can be caused by many different reasons, such as pressure on nerves, injuries, or other health issues. A telemedicine visit can help you talk with a healthcare provider about your child's symptoms from home. During the visit, the provider will ask questions about the numbness or tingling, when it started, and any other symptoms your child may have. They may also guide you through simple tests to check your child's hand movement and feeling. Telemedicine is a convenient way to get advice and decide if your child needs to see a doctor in person. However, if your child has severe symptoms like sudden weakness, severe pain, or signs of infection, you should seek emergency care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness or inability to move the hand or fingers — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in the hand — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Fever along with numbness or tingling — may indicate infection requiring prompt attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild or intermittent hand numbness or tingling.
• Review of symptom history and guidance on symptom management.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or tests are needed.
• Follow-up visits to discuss progress or test results.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Sudden loss of hand or finger movement or strength.
• Severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection in the hand.
• Emergency situations requiring immediate physical examination or interventions.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as when the numbness or tingling started, how often it happens, and if anything makes it better or worse. They may ask about recent injuries or activities. You might be asked to show your child's hand and fingers on camera and help your child perform simple movements or tests to check sensation and strength.

How to Prepare for the Visit

Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Have a list of your child's symptoms, any recent injuries, and questions ready. Keep a family member nearby to help with the technology or assist your child during the exam. Have a flashlight or small objects ready if the provider asks for sensory testing.

When Telemedicine Is Appropriate

Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation of mild or intermittent numbness or tingling. It helps determine if further in-person evaluation or tests are needed. It is also convenient for follow-up visits or discussing test results.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has sudden weakness, loss of movement, severe pain, swelling, redness, fever, or signs of injury, they should be evaluated in person promptly. These may be signs of serious conditions needing urgent care.

Common Causes of Hand Numbness/Tingling in Children

Common causes include pressure on nerves from repetitive activities, minor injuries, or growth-related changes. Sometimes infections or other medical conditions can cause these symptoms. A healthcare provider can help identify the cause and suggest treatment options.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space for the visit.
• Have a list of your child's symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• Gather any recent medical records or test results if available.
• Prepare to assist your child with simple movements or tests as instructed by the provider.
• Have a flashlight or small objects ready for sensory testing if asked.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on symptom management and any prescribed treatments.
• Schedule in-person visits if recommended for further evaluation or testing.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and watch for any red flags that require urgent care.
• Keep a record of any changes in symptoms to share in follow-up visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if new symptoms develop or existing symptoms worsen.

FAQs

Can telemedicine visits diagnose the cause of my child's hand numbness?

Telemedicine visits can help healthcare providers understand your child's symptoms and suggest possible causes. However, some conditions may require in-person exams or tests for a definitive diagnosis.

What should I do if my child's numbness gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen, especially with weakness, severe pain, or signs of infection, seek in-person medical care promptly or go to the emergency department.

Can my child do the physical tests on their own during the telemedicine visit?

Young children may need help from a parent or caregiver to perform movements or sensory tests as guided by the provider during the visit.

Is telemedicine safe for evaluating hand numbness in children?

Yes, telemedicine is a safe and convenient way to discuss symptoms and get medical advice. It helps decide if your child needs to see a doctor in person.

What information should I have ready for the telemedicine visit?

Be ready to share when the numbness started, how often it happens, any recent injuries or activities, other symptoms, and any treatments tried so far.

Sources

1. Hand numbness and tingling — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Numbness and Tingling — Mayo Clinic.
3. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pediatric Neurology: Evaluation of Numbness and Tingling — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.