I feel strange sensations on the left side of my head?
I have been feeling strange in the left side of my head for a week, as if I have been on the phone for too long and the electromagnetic waves are making my brain feel odd.
My left big toe has been numb for about a year, and today I also feel some numbness in my left little finger.
The strange sensation in the left side of my head seems to sometimes shift to different locations.
It shouldn't be something like a brain worm, right?
Shiva, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/30
Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Your issue may need to first rule out cervical nerve root compression before considering abnormalities in brain structure.
External factors such as traffic accidents, falls, head impacts against hard objects, or excessive force during cervical rotation can lead to cervical instability, dislocation, and cervical disc herniation.
Typical discomfort symptoms associated with cervical nerve root pathology include pain in the shoulder or arm, as well as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the palm and fingers.
As for cervical joint pathology, it can cause neck pain and stiffness, leading to pain due to compression of nearby nerve roots, which may even extend to the shoulder, arm, and hand, causing discomfort.
Treatment can be divided into medication: When nerves are compressed, an inflammatory response occurs, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used for treatment, as they have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, reducing the inflammatory response and alleviating pain.
Physical therapy includes:
1.
Heat therapy: Primarily increases local blood circulation and improves muscle ischemia.
2.
Shortwave and ultrasound therapy: Mainly promotes blood circulation in deeper tissues.
3.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and medium-frequency vector interference waves: Can provide local pain relief and alleviate tension and discomfort in the neck and shoulders.
4.
Cervical traction: Commonly used for degenerative cervical arthritis, disc herniation (cervical osteophytes), with complications of nerve root compression, and cervical injuries without fractures or joint instability, but with nerve compression.
Cervical traction can be utilized for rehabilitation, and X-ray examination should be performed beforehand to confirm joint stability.
Cervical collars: Prevent cervical instability and avoid further serious nerve tissue damage, suitable for injuries such as sports injuries, car accidents, or falls that cause excessive flexion or extension of the cervical spine.
I recommend that you consult a neurologist or rehabilitation specialist to discuss examination and treatment options.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital, cares about you.
Reply Date: 2020/05/30
More Info
The unusual sensations you are experiencing on the left side of your head, along with the numbness in your left foot and now your left pinky finger, can be concerning and warrant further investigation. While I cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, I can offer some insights into potential causes and considerations based on your symptoms.
Firstly, the sensations you describe on the left side of your head could be attributed to several factors. One common cause of unusual sensations in the head is tension-type headaches or migraines. These conditions can lead to feelings of pressure, tightness, or even a sensation of "weirdness" in specific areas of the head. Stress, anxiety, and muscle tension can exacerbate these symptoms, leading to discomfort that may feel like it is radiating from the head to other areas of the body.
The numbness in your left foot and now your left pinky finger raises additional concerns. Numbness or tingling sensations, medically referred to as paresthesia, can occur due to various reasons, including nerve compression, poor circulation, or neurological conditions. For instance, if there is compression of a nerve in the neck or back, it can lead to symptoms that radiate down the arm or leg. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment could explain the numbness in your pinky finger, while issues in the lower back could affect your foot.
Another possibility to consider is the presence of a neurological condition. While it is unlikely that you have a "brain worm," as you humorously suggested, other conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) could present with similar symptoms. MS can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including numbness and unusual sensations, while TIAs can lead to temporary neurological deficits that resolve quickly but may indicate an increased risk of stroke.
Given that your symptoms have persisted for a week and you have a history of numbness in your foot, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough evaluation, including a neurological examination, and may recommend imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Blood tests may also be necessary to check for vitamin deficiencies, thyroid function, or other metabolic issues that could contribute to your symptoms.
In the meantime, consider keeping a symptom diary to track when the sensations occur, their duration, and any potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in making an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, practicing stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle stretching may help alleviate some of the tension that could be contributing to your discomfort.
In conclusion, while your symptoms may not indicate a severe condition, they warrant a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and help you manage any underlying issues effectively. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a neurologist or your primary care physician for further assessment and guidance. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these symptoms promptly is essential.
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