Neurological Symptoms: Left Head Pain and Hand Numbness

Mild pain in the left occipital region and slight numbness in the left hand?

Hello Doctor: My irregular sleep schedule has been ongoing for about six years, compounded by significant stress from university exams.
In mid-May of this year, I suddenly experienced a ringing in my left ear, followed by a brief episode of numbness in my left face, which resolved after a while.
Due to the exam stress (around early June), there was a day when I was so anxious that I couldn't sleep all night, lying on my side and using my left hand to scroll on my phone.
The next morning, my entire left hand felt numb, and it did not improve for some time.
Since I live in a heavily affected area of the pandemic in Banqiao, I only visited the nearest orthopedic clinic, where an X-ray revealed that one of my cervical vertebrae had no space.
However, I did not undergo rehabilitation due to the pandemic, and after a few days, the numbness in my hand subsided.
At that time, I also frequently experienced orthostatic hypotension and a feeling of fullness in my ears, along with episodes of shortness of breath.
After the summer vacation began, I adjusted my schedule and started exercising.
After consulting with a pulmonologist and an ENT specialist, they suggested that I might have mild asthma and that earwax had been pushed too close to my eardrum.
After using medication and removing the earwax, I had no significant issues.

Starting September 5th, I often felt tightness in the back of my head, frequently waking up at night to use the bathroom, and I could often feel my heartbeat.
After seeing a family medicine doctor, the diagnosis was panic disorder.
Two days ago, I began to feel tightness on both sides of my neck, and suddenly I experienced sharp pain in the left back of my head.
This pain is not a throbbing headache but rather a persistent tight and dull ache that does not pulsate.
Occasionally, the left side of my scalp feels prickly and numb; when lying down, I also feel a pulsing sensation in my right ear and the back of my right head, but there is no sound or pain, just tightness.
Then yesterday, my left hand started to feel numb, and this morning when I woke up, my left foot also felt slightly numb, but it is not to the point of weakness.
What could this problem be? I have been unable to get an appointment with a neurologist in the past few days, so I am inquiring here first.
Thank you, Doctor.

Irene, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/19

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Irene,
The description you provided, "lying on your side using your left hand to use your phone, and then experiencing numbness in your entire left arm the following morning that has not improved," may suggest symptoms related to cervical spine issues.
Additionally, your mention of "a pulsing sensation in your right ear and the back of your right head while lying down" could indicate a vascular headache, such as a migraine.

If these symptoms persist after ruling out the above issues and occur repeatedly with neurological dysfunction in different areas, multiple sclerosis may need to be considered as a potential diagnosis.
The Lhermitte sign, which is characterized by an electric shock-like sensation in the shoulders or arms when bending the neck, may be due to increased sensitivity of demyelinated nerves.
I recommend consulting with a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
Please ensure to practice self-protection and maintain cleanliness and disinfection before and after your medical visits.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions further!
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2021/09/19

More Info

Based on your detailed description of symptoms, it appears that you are experiencing a complex interplay of neurological and musculoskeletal issues. The symptoms you have described, including left-sided head pain, hand numbness, and feelings of tightness in the neck and head, could potentially be linked to several underlying conditions.

Firstly, the left-sided head pain, particularly if it feels tight or pressure-like rather than sharp, may suggest tension-type headaches. These headaches are often associated with muscle tension in the neck and scalp, which can be exacerbated by poor posture, stress, and anxiety. Given your history of irregular sleep patterns and significant stress from exams, it is plausible that these factors have contributed to muscle tension and subsequent headaches.

The numbness in your left hand, which you noted began after a period of poor posture while using your phone, could indicate a possible nerve compression issue. This is often seen in conditions like cervical radiculopathy, where nerve roots in the neck are compressed due to degenerative changes or poor posture. The fact that you experienced numbness in your left hand and later in your left foot may suggest that the issue could be more systemic or related to nerve function rather than localized to the neck.

Additionally, the sensation of tightness in the back of your head and the pulsing feeling in your right ear could be related to anxiety or panic attacks, especially since you mentioned that a physician suggested you might be experiencing panic disorder. Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to muscle tension, increased heart rate, and even sensations of numbness or tingling in various parts of the body.

The ear ringing (tinnitus) and facial numbness you experienced earlier could also be related to anxiety or stress, as these symptoms can occur during heightened states of stress or panic. However, it’s essential to rule out any underlying neurological conditions, especially given the complexity of your symptoms.

Given the multifaceted nature of your symptoms, it would be advisable to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a neurologist when possible. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI of the brain and cervical spine, to rule out any structural issues that could be contributing to your symptoms. Additionally, a thorough physical examination can help assess for any musculoskeletal issues or nerve compression.

In the meantime, managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular physical activity, and maintaining good posture can be beneficial. Stretching exercises for the neck and shoulders may help alleviate some of the tightness you are experiencing. If you find that your symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while your symptoms could be indicative of tension-type headaches and possible nerve compression, they may also be influenced by anxiety and stress. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Left-Sided Numbness: Possible Neurological Causes

Hello, I have a situation that may seem strange, but I couldn't find similar reasons no matter how much I searched, so I'm reaching out to you. It started with an itch in a single tooth, and I initially thought it was a gum issue. However, the next day, I began to exper...

Dr. Wu Mukhan reply Neurology
Hello, it seems that you are experiencing sensory abnormalities on the left side of your face as well as on the left side of your body. This situation requires ruling out any issues related to the brain, as stroke or central nervous system lesions cannot be completely excluded. I...

Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Facial Numbness and Eye Pain Explained

Previously diagnosed with migraine, left facial numbness, and left mouth corner twitching. An MRI showed small white spots in the cerebellar region, and after consultation, it was deemed not serious. After medication, there was no headache or numbness. I was also taking a low dos...

Dr. Yang Shenggong reply Neurology
Hello, Miss: After reviewing your description, your condition seems to involve paroxysmal sensory and motor abnormalities on the left side of your face, along with frequent pauses in thought and expressive difficulties. Possible clinical causes include: 1) Paroxysmal neurological...

Understanding Scalp Numbness: Causes and Concerns for Your Health

I've been experiencing frequent shoulder and neck pain over the past couple of days, and I feel a tingling sensation in the scalp at the back of my left head. I'm worried it might be a stroke or meningitis. My hands and feet also feel numb when I wake up, and the tingli...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello: The most common cause of the above symptoms is poor posture or prolonged bending of the head while using a mobile phone or laptop. Please avoid these activities and see if there is any improvement. If there is no improvement, please visit a neurology clinic.

Understanding Left-Sided Numbness and Eye Pressure: Possible Neurological Issues

Hello doctor, sometimes I feel numbness in my left hand and left foot, and my right eye feels swollen. I'm not sure if these two symptoms are related. What could be the issue? Is it possible that there is something growing in my right brain? I had a brain CT scan about a yea...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Based on your description, a brain computed tomography (CT) scan is generally performed to rule out significant lesions such as intracranial hemorrhage or obvious brain tumors. If clinical symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, seizures, or neurological deficits are present...