- Hands can often feel numb or lose feeling.
- Numbness can come from many different causes.
- A wrong diagnosis can delay needed treatment.
- Wrong treatment can let symptoms continue.
- Numbness can make holding things and buttoning hard.
- You may drop objects or lose grip strength.
- See a doctor if numbness lasts many weeks.
- Night numbness that wakes you needs medical help.
- Do not ignore sudden weakness or clumsy hands.
- Talk to a health professional for advice.
Difficult words
- numbness — loss of feeling in a part of the body
- diagnosis — a doctor's identification of an illness
- treatment — medical care to help a health problem
- symptom — a sign that shows an illnesssymptoms
- grip — the strength to hold things
- professional — a trained person who gives medical advicehealth professional
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever felt numbness in your hands?
- Would you see a doctor if numbness lasted many weeks?
- Do you talk to a health professional when you need advice?
Related articles
Algae-based synthetic gel supports mammary tissue growth
In 2020 a PhD student and her adviser at UC Santa Barbara developed an algae-based synthetic membrane to support mammary epithelial cells. Their tunable gel, reported in Science Advances, can direct cell growth by changing mechanical and biochemical cues.
New drug pair helps fight rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis
Scientists paired rifampicin with a probe called AAP-SO2 that binds bacterial RNA polymerase at a different site and slows transcription. The pair killed resistant mutants in culture and was especially effective in a rabbit model.
Western Pacific priorities as WHO adapts after US withdrawal
WHO regional director Saia Maʻu Piukala outlines challenges and priorities for the Western Pacific as the organisation adapts after the US withdrawal. Key events include the World Health Summit in Berlin (12–14 October) and the Fiji Regional Committee (20–24 October 2025).
