Dizziness and Numbness: Neurological Insights

Dizziness and hand numbness?

Hello: Here are my symptoms.
It feels like my head has been knocked (a brief moment), but there is no pain, somewhat like the sensation of a pirate ship ride during the downward plunge.
I experience dizziness and lightheadedness, which occurs both when I am still and when I am walking; if it happens while walking, I need to stop.
The most severe episode occurred while I was riding my motorcycle shortly after starting; I noticed that my vision began to blur, and I realized I was getting dizzy, so I urgently pulled over to the side of the road to rest.
The dizziness has been ongoing for a long time.
I often feel like I can't get enough air.
Additionally, my right hand has started to feel tight and numb this month.
I would appreciate your response, thank you!

Du Jingyin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/19

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, your symptoms may suggest Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), characterized by brief episodes of dizziness related to changes in head position, such as bending over, tilting back, lying down, getting up, rolling over, or suddenly turning your head.
These episodes may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, palpitations, cold sweats, and feelings of weakness.
The exact cause is often unknown, but it can be related to inflammation, degeneration, or head trauma that leads to the displacement of otoliths from the utricle into the semicircular canals.
When the head position changes, the movement of these otoliths within the semicircular canals alters the neural signals from the inner ear, resulting in vertigo.
BPPV is more commonly seen in women.
It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist or a neurologist for evaluation and treatment.
Regarding your difficulty in breathing, it may be worth considering hyperventilation or a cardiac issue, so consulting a cardiologist is recommended.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Tao, Neurology Department, cares for you.

Reply Date: 2017/09/19

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your symptoms, which seem quite concerning. Based on your description, it appears that you are experiencing a combination of dizziness, a sensation of lightheadedness, and numbness in your right hand. These symptoms can be indicative of various neurological issues, and it is essential to approach them systematically.

Dizziness can manifest in several forms, including vertigo (the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning), lightheadedness (a feeling of faintness or near-fainting), and disequilibrium (a loss of balance). The sensation you described, akin to the feeling of being on a pirate ship, suggests that you might be experiencing vertigo. This can be caused by inner ear problems, vestibular disorders, or even neurological conditions affecting the brainstem or cerebellum.

The fact that you experience dizziness both when stationary and while walking, and that it has led to a near-accident while riding a motorcycle, is particularly concerning. This could indicate a more serious underlying condition that warrants further investigation. Additionally, the feeling of not being able to take a deep breath may suggest anxiety or a respiratory issue, but it could also be related to neurological factors, especially if it coincides with your dizziness.

The numbness in your right hand is another critical symptom. Numbness can result from various causes, including nerve compression, peripheral neuropathy, or central nervous system issues. Given that this symptom has developed recently, it is essential to consider whether it could be related to your dizziness. For instance, cervical spine issues, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, can lead to both hand numbness and dizziness due to nerve root compression.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, I recommend the following steps:
1. Neurological Evaluation: It would be prudent to consult a neurologist for a comprehensive evaluation. They may perform a neurological examination to assess your reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, and sensory function. This will help determine if there is any evidence of upper motor neuron involvement or other neurological deficits.

2. Imaging Studies: Depending on the findings from your neurological examination, the doctor may recommend imaging studies such as an MRI of the brain and cervical spine. This can help identify any structural abnormalities that could be contributing to your symptoms.

3. Vestibular Testing: If vertigo is confirmed, vestibular testing may be necessary to evaluate the function of your inner ear and balance system. This can help differentiate between peripheral causes (like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) and central causes (like vestibular migraines or other neurological conditions).

4. Blood Tests: Blood tests may also be warranted to check for metabolic or autoimmune conditions that could contribute to your symptoms, such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, or inflammatory markers.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including their frequency, duration, and any associated factors (like stress, fatigue, or specific activities). This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in diagnosing your condition.

In summary, your symptoms of dizziness and right-hand numbness warrant a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing any underlying conditions effectively. Please do not hesitate to seek medical attention, especially if your symptoms worsen or if you experience additional concerning signs, such as severe headaches, vision changes, or weakness in other parts of your body. Take care, and I wish you the best in your journey toward understanding and alleviating your symptoms.

Similar Q&A

Dizziness and Numbness: Understanding Neurological Symptoms

Hello doctor, I experienced a situation that made me very agitated and loud. During that process, I suddenly felt dizzy and my hands became numb. After calming down, I felt much better, but since then, I occasionally experience dizziness, and when I raise my hands, they feel a bi...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello, Chen: If the above symptoms persist without improvement, it is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic for evaluation.

Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Dizziness, Numbness, and Nausea

Recently, I've been experiencing tingling on the top of my head, dizziness, nausea, tingling in my feet and calves, blurred vision, and a feeling of wanting to sleep after eating. What could be the issue?

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
The symptoms are not specific enough to pinpoint certain neurological disorders. It may be related to poor peripheral circulation, high stress, or lack of sleep. Other possibilities may require the physician to conduct a thorough evaluation, including taking a detailed medical hi...

Understanding Unexplained Neurological Symptoms: A Guide for Concerned Friends

I have a female friend who suddenly felt numbness in her arms and legs while using the restroom this morning, which then spread throughout her body, making her unable to walk. After I helped her to bed to rest, she felt a chill in her back, experienced blurred vision, was sweatin...

Dr. Du Haojie reply Neurology
Paroxysmal localized numbness or associated consciousness disturbances with blurred vision typically occur during seizures or strokes. If the duration is brief, one should also consider vasovagal syncope triggered by vagus nerve stimulation. Additionally, migraines caused by basi...

Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Dizziness and Numbness Explained

Hello Doctor, I just completed a brain MRI, and the report from my family doctor in Australia has me a bit concerned. The full report is as follows: Sagittal and axial T1, T2, and inversion recovery examinations were performed. Findings: the tips of the cerebellar tonsils lie abo...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
I agree that your examination results align with the clinical symptoms. It is recommended that you visit a major hospital's neurology department for evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.