Nerve Pain: Left Hand and Foot Tingling and Weakness

Numbness and tingling in the left hand and left foot, accompanied by weakness?

Hello Doctor,
The first symptoms appeared on February 27.
After attending a wedding banquet that afternoon, I stepped out of the venue and experienced a sudden, electric shock-like tingling in my left hand and left foot, accompanied by dizziness.
I initially thought it was due to fatigue, but even after resting at home, the symptoms did not improve.
I continued to experience the electric shock-like tingling every few seconds, and it persisted until I went to sleep that night without any relief.
The next day, I woke up to find the symptoms had disappeared, so I didn't think much of it.

The second occurrence of the same symptoms was on March 7.
The electric shock-like tingling was not as intense as the first time, but the duration of the tingling was longer, affecting the same areas with the same symptoms.
I felt quite anxious about it.
Should I consider getting checked?
I apologize for bothering you during your busy schedule.
Wishing you all the best.

Miss Yang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/07

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello Ms.
Yang,
You mentioned that "my left hand and left foot feel like they are being electrocuted, experiencing intermittent tingling and numbness." This condition may suggest symptoms of neuropathic pain.
If it occurs only on one side, it may be necessary to consider lesions above the cervical spine.
Abnormalities in the brain's sensory areas typically result in unilateral nerve damage, which requires instrumental examination.

Peripheral nerve testing is divided into two types: "nerve conduction studies," which are traditional tests primarily assessing large fiber nerves, and "quantitative sensory testing," which focuses on small fiber nerves and measures sensations such as cold, heat, and pain that traditional nerve conduction studies cannot evaluate.
Both types of tests complement each other and provide a comprehensive assessment of sensory nerve abnormalities.
I recommend that you visit a neurology clinic for further examination and follow-up.
Thank you for your inquiry! Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2022/03/07

More Info

Hello, thank you for sharing your symptoms and concerns. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing episodes of tingling and weakness in your left hand and foot, accompanied by a sensation akin to electric shocks. These symptoms can be quite alarming, especially when they occur suddenly and without an obvious cause.

The tingling and electric shock-like sensations you are experiencing could be indicative of several underlying conditions. One possibility is peripheral neuropathy, which is often characterized by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities. This condition can result from various factors, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins), alcohol use, and certain medications. Another potential cause could be a radiculopathy, where a nerve root is compressed or irritated, leading to similar symptoms. This can happen due to herniated discs or spinal stenosis, particularly in the cervical or lumbar regions.

Given that your symptoms have recurred and are affecting both your hand and foot, it would be prudent to seek a thorough medical evaluation. A neurologist would be the appropriate specialist to consult, as they can perform a detailed neurological examination and recommend diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of your nerves and muscles.

In addition to these tests, imaging studies like MRI or CT scans may be necessary to visualize any structural issues in the spine that could be contributing to your symptoms. It's also important to consider other factors that could be influencing your symptoms, such as stress or anxiety, which can sometimes manifest as physical symptoms.

You mentioned that the symptoms resolved after a day during your first episode, which could suggest that they were transient. However, the recurrence and the nature of the sensations warrant further investigation. It’s essential to keep track of any additional symptoms that may arise, such as changes in coordination, strength, or bowel and bladder function, as these could provide further clues to your healthcare provider.

In the meantime, it may be beneficial to avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms and to practice stress-reduction techniques, as stress can sometimes amplify physical sensations. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can also support overall nerve health.

In summary, I strongly recommend that you consult a neurologist for a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention can be crucial in managing any underlying conditions effectively. Please take care, and I hope you find relief soon.

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