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 27th.
After attending a wedding banquet that afternoon, I stepped out of the venue and suddenly felt a tingling sensation in my left hand and left foot, as if I had been electrocuted, accompanied by dizziness.
I initially thought it was due to fatigue, but even after lying down to rest at home, there was no improvement.
The electric shock-like tingling continued to occur every few seconds 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 7th.
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 get checked out?
I apologize for bothering you during your busy schedule.
Wishing you all the best.

Miss Yang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/08

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello Ms.
Yang,
You mentioned that "my left hand and left foot feel like they are being electrocuted, with intermittent tingling and numbness." This condition may suggest symptoms of neuropathic pain.
If it is only present on one side, it may be necessary to consider lesions above the upper cervical spine.
Abnormalities in the brain's sensory areas typically result in unilateral nerve damage, which requires instrumental examination.
Peripheral nerve assessments are 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.
The latter measures sensations such as cold, heat, and pain that traditional nerve conduction studies cannot evaluate.
Both 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, safety, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2022/03/08

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your symptoms and concerns regarding the tingling and weakness in your left hand and foot. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing episodes of nerve pain characterized by electric shock-like sensations and tingling, which can be quite distressing.
The symptoms you described, particularly the electric shock-like sensations in your left hand and foot, could be indicative of several potential underlying conditions. Given that these symptoms have recurred on multiple occasions, it is essential to consider a thorough evaluation to determine the cause.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves and can result in tingling, numbness, and weakness. Causes can range from diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (such as B12), alcohol use, and certain medications.

2. Cervical Radiculopathy: If there is compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine (neck), it can lead to symptoms radiating down the arm. This could explain the tingling in your left hand.

3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Although less common, MS can present with episodes of neurological symptoms, including tingling and weakness. It is characterized by demyelination of the nerves in the central nervous system.

4. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Sometimes referred to as a "mini-stroke," a TIA can cause sudden neurological symptoms, including weakness and tingling. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

5. Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors can also manifest as physical symptoms, including tingling and sensations of electric shocks, particularly if you are experiencing heightened anxiety or stress.

Recommended Actions
Given the recurrence and nature of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Consult a Neurologist: A neurologist specializes in conditions affecting the nervous system and can perform a detailed assessment. They may recommend tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve function.

2. Imaging Studies: Depending on your neurologist's assessment, imaging studies like MRI of the cervical spine may be warranted to check for any structural issues that could be compressing nerves.

3. Blood Tests: A comprehensive metabolic panel and specific tests for vitamin levels (especially B12) and thyroid function can help rule out metabolic causes of neuropathy.

4. Keep a Symptom Diary: Documenting when your symptoms occur, their duration, and any associated factors (like stress or physical activity) can provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: If anxiety is a contributing factor, consider stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or counseling.

Conclusion
In summary, while your symptoms may be benign, their recurrent nature warrants further investigation to rule out any serious underlying conditions. A thorough evaluation by a neurologist will help clarify the cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment. Remember, early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, especially if there is an underlying neurological condition.
Please take care, and I hope you find relief soon!

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