Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

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Definition - What does Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome mean?

Hand-arm vibration syndrome is a condition that causes alterations in the sensory perceptions of signals received from the arm and hand of the body. This can lead to numbness and tingling of the fingers. It may also cause weakness in the muscles of the arm and hand. This condition may be caused by long term usage of tools that have a high level of vibration.

SureHire explains Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

Hand-arm vibration syndrome is a serious concern in the workplace because it can be caused by working conditions and drastically alter a worker's ability to complete job tasks. Symptoms of hand-arm vibration include, numbness, tingling, and can even cause the fingers to turn white in color in some cases. The color change specifically occurs if there is a disruption in the blood flow to the fingers. Over time these symptoms can also cause muscle aches and pain. The continual exposure to the vibration of tools or machines causes an interruption of the nerve and blood flow to the hand. This is generally caused only after many years of exposure. In most case 10 years or more.

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