Numbness in Limbs: Causes and Concerns

Numbness in the hands and feet?

Hello, Doctor.
Since mid-January, I have been experiencing discomfort in my ears with a feeling of fullness.
I have consulted several otolaryngologists and had my hearing tested at major hospitals, which came back normal.
Later, I experienced dizziness and headaches, and I underwent an EEG, which also showed normal results.
The dizziness lasted for about three days, but I have felt much better since then, and I haven’t experienced dizziness for over half a month.

Starting from early February, I noticed that my left limbs often feel numb.
When I sleep, my wrist and the ring and little fingers are particularly prone to numbness, but shaking them helps alleviate the sensation.
Recently, I have noticed that when I press on my left fingers, they feel swollen, and the soles of my feet feel strange.
Initially, the sole of my left foot had a sensation similar to a phone vibrating beneath it, with intermittent feelings.
I have tried acupuncture and had a nerve conduction study done in the neurology department, which came back normal.
The doctor suspects I might have poor peripheral circulation.

After that sensation decreased, I have felt that my soles are not very calm over the past couple of days.
They are not painful, but there is a very slight numbness.
Sometimes, my hands also experience brief moments of numbness.
My neck feels uncomfortable; it’s not numb, but it is sore, and my entire left arm tends to feel more fatigued.
I am very worried that there might be something wrong inside my body.
I had a CT scan of my head done in the emergency department, but the doctor did not mention anything specific.

Miss Zheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/06

Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine

Hello, this user.
After the physician's examination, if you still experience discomfort, and it may be related to poor peripheral blood circulation, it is recommended that you visit a cardiology clinic for further consultation, evaluation, and examination.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2019/03/06

More Info

Numbness in the limbs can be a concerning symptom, and it’s understandable that you are worried about your health given the variety of sensations you are experiencing. Based on your description, it seems you have been dealing with a range of symptoms, including ear discomfort, dizziness, headaches, and now numbness and tingling in your left arm and leg. Let’s break down some potential causes and considerations regarding your symptoms.

1. Peripheral Neuropathy: The tingling and numbness you describe, especially in your fingers and toes, could be indicative of peripheral neuropathy. This condition occurs when the peripheral nerves, which transmit signals between the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, become damaged. Causes can include diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins), alcohol use, and certain medications. Given that your nerve conduction studies were normal, this may suggest that the issue is not with the nerves themselves but could be related to circulation or other factors.

2. Circulatory Issues: Your doctor’s suspicion of poor peripheral circulation could also explain the numbness and tingling. Conditions such as Raynaud's phenomenon or other vascular issues can lead to reduced blood flow to the extremities, causing sensations of numbness or tingling. It’s important to monitor your symptoms and discuss any changes with your healthcare provider.

3. Cervical Spine Issues: The discomfort in your neck and the associated symptoms could suggest that there may be an issue with your cervical spine, such as a herniated disc or cervical spondylosis. These conditions can compress the nerves that exit the spinal cord and lead to symptoms in the arms and hands. If you have not yet had imaging studies of your cervical spine, it may be worth discussing with your doctor.

4. Anxiety and Stress: Sometimes, anxiety can manifest physically, leading to sensations of tingling or numbness. If you are experiencing stress or anxiety about your health, this could potentially exacerbate your symptoms. It might be beneficial to explore relaxation techniques or speak with a mental health professional if you feel this could be a contributing factor.

5. Other Neurological Conditions: While less likely given your normal imaging and nerve conduction studies, it’s important to consider other neurological conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating diseases. However, these conditions typically present with additional neurological signs and symptoms.

6. Follow-Up and Monitoring: Since you have already undergone several tests, including CT scans and nerve conduction studies, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. If your symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary, including MRI of the cervical spine or additional blood tests to check for underlying conditions.

In conclusion, while your symptoms can be concerning, many potential causes are treatable or manageable. It’s essential to continue working closely with your healthcare team to monitor your symptoms and explore further diagnostic options if necessary. Keeping a symptom diary, noting when symptoms occur and any potential triggers, can also be helpful for your doctor in determining the best course of action. Remember, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to reach out for further evaluation if needed.

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