Lower Body Numbness: Symptoms and Recommended Health Checks

Q: Lower Body Numbness: Symptoms and Recommended Health Checks

Hello： The tingling sensation in both feet may indicate nerve compression, so it is best to consult a neurologist. <br>As for the abdominal pain and bloating, you may need to see a gastroenterologist to check for peptic ulcers or Helicobacter pylori infection. <br>Additionally, f

Numbness in the lower half of the body, including the neck and abdomen?

In recent months, the symptoms have become more frequent, especially when lying down, which significantly affects sleep quality.
There is a tingling sensation from the abdomen down to the legs; it's not severe enough to hinder movement, but it is uncomfortable.
Additionally, there is a feeling of warmth and occasional pain below the navel.
After meals, there is noticeable bloating, and it seems that the frequency of passing gas has increased compared to before.
During menstruation, blood clots are about 5 centimeters in size.
Bowel habits are normal, with 1-3 bowel movements per day, and the stool color has been normal, either yellow or brown, and well-formed.
Living abroad has made communication difficult, and I haven't had a comprehensive health check-up in about 6 or 7 years.
I would like to ask the doctor where I should start with health screenings and what tests you would recommend.
Thank you very much.

Yi ge hai zi de ma, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/08

Dr. Xie Rongyuan reply Internal Medicine

Hello: The tingling sensation in both feet may indicate nerve compression, so it is best to consult a neurologist.
As for the abdominal pain and bloating, you may need to see a gastroenterologist to check for peptic ulcers or Helicobacter pylori infection.
Additionally, for abnormal menstrual flow, you should visit a gynecologist for examination.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2022/01/08

More Info

Understanding lower body numbness can be quite complex, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits. Based on the symptoms you've described, it is essential to approach this situation with a comprehensive health check to rule out any underlying conditions.

Symptoms Overview
The numbness in your lower body, particularly when lying down, could be indicative of several issues. It may be related to nerve compression, which can occur due to various reasons, including spinal problems, such as herniated discs or degenerative disc disease. Given your previous CT scan results, while there was no significant herniation noted, the presence of degenerative changes at the L5/S1 level could still contribute to nerve-related symptoms.

The abdominal discomfort, especially after meals, along with increased flatulence, could suggest gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food intolerances. The sensation of heat and pain in the lower abdomen, particularly during menstruation, could also be linked to gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis or fibroids, especially since you mentioned the presence of blood clots during your menstrual cycle.

Recommended Health Checks
Given the complexity of your symptoms, I recommend a multi-faceted approach to your health check:
1. Neurological Evaluation: Since you are experiencing numbness in your lower body, a consultation with a neurologist would be beneficial. They may recommend nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of your nerves and muscles.

2. Spinal Imaging: Although you have had a CT scan, it may be worthwhile to consider an MRI of the lumbar spine. An MRI provides a more detailed view of soft tissues, including nerves and discs, which could help identify any subtle issues that the CT may have missed.

3. Gastrointestinal Assessment: Given your abdominal symptoms, a visit to a gastroenterologist is advisable. They may recommend tests such as an abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, or colonoscopy to evaluate your digestive health. Additionally, keeping a food diary to track your symptoms in relation to your diet could provide valuable insights.

4. Gynecological Examination: Since you mentioned menstrual irregularities and abdominal pain, a gynecological evaluation is essential. An ultrasound may be performed to check for any abnormalities in the reproductive organs, such as fibroids or cysts.

5. Blood Tests: Comprehensive blood work can help assess your overall health. Tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), metabolic panel, thyroid function tests, and possibly hormone levels, especially if menstrual irregularities are a concern.

6. Lifestyle and Nutritional Assessment: Since you have not had a health check in several years, a consultation with a nutritionist or dietitian could be beneficial. They can help you evaluate your dietary habits and make recommendations for a balanced diet that may alleviate some of your gastrointestinal symptoms.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation across several medical specialties. Start by consulting a primary care physician who can coordinate your care and refer you to the appropriate specialists. It’s crucial to address these symptoms promptly, as they can significantly impact your quality of life, including your sleep and daily activities. Regular health checks are essential, especially after a long period without one, to ensure that any potential issues are identified and managed effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Hand Numbness: Causes and Concerns for Your Health

I apologize for bothering you, doctor. Some time ago, I spent a long time in bed using my phone and computer, and I have been experiencing pain in my left shoulder and neck that radiates down to my ring and little fingers, which sometimes feel numb. Occasionally, my legs also fee...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello! Based on the above, these symptoms do not match the clinical characteristics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic.

Understanding Hand Numbness: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello Doctor: I usually experience numbness in my hands after intense exercise, but recently I've noticed that any movement of my hands causes numbness starting from my fingertips. If I continue to move, the numbness spreads to my entire palm, but if I maintain the same posi...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Miss Yi-An, Your symptoms may be primarily attributed to hyperventilation caused by intense exercise, leading to sensations of abnormality. Hyperventilation can result in decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, causing an increase in pH, a condition known medically as...

Understanding Unexplained Body Pain and Numbness: A Neurology Perspective

In the past month, I have experienced body aches that progressed to numbness in my legs and hands. My legs feel weak and painful when standing, and I have intermittent pain or twitching throughout my body. Sometimes my wrists, near my ankles, and knees also hurt. My lower back an...

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Chen, the symptoms you described are most likely caused by cervical spine issues. It is recommended that you first visit a neurology clinic for a detailed neurological examination to determine the underlying cause. Additionally, it is advised not to use overly soft beddi...

Understanding Limb Numbness: Is It a Stroke Warning Sign?

Recently, I have been experiencing slight weakness in my limbs, along with numbness. The numbness diminishes slightly during physical activity, but it becomes quite noticeable when I lie flat at night. I even feel a tingling sensation in my palms and soles, accompanied by a mild ...

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Hello, regarding the described issue, further physical and neurological examinations may be necessary to determine the cause, as it does not closely resemble the symptoms of a stroke. Please visit a nearby neurology clinic for evaluation.