Headaches and Body Numbness: When to Seek Medical Help

Headache and body numbness?

I have never encountered this situation before, so I am documenting it to consult a physician: On the first day, my heart was racing all day, and I felt restless.
On the second day, in the middle of the night, my heart rate increased to the point that I woke up, and then I felt a complete body numbness, starting from the top of my head down to my feet.
After a few minutes, it improved somewhat, but I experienced a dull ache in the back of my head, as if there was poor blood circulation.
On the third day, I woke up again due to the body numbness, and the subsequent symptoms were similar to the first day.
On the fourth day, I was awakened by pain in my head, which felt like a tightness, a constricting sensation that "tightened me awake." I felt a lack of blood circulation in my head and neck.
In my daily life, I do not experience severe headaches, but I occasionally feel dizzy and nauseous, sometimes lacking appetite.
My limbs often feel weak, and when I walk, it feels like my legs lack strength.
Even when standing still, I feel a lack of blood circulation in my hands, making them feel weak.
Could you please advise what might be causing these symptoms? Is there a need for further examination at a hospital?

Yang Yuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/21

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Yang,
You mentioned that "I do not experience major headaches in daily life, but occasionally feel dizzy and nauseous, sometimes lack appetite, and my hands and feet feel weak.
When walking, I often feel like my legs lack strength..." Your symptoms seem to be caused by excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
It may be necessary to consider heat-related illnesses first.
The primary reason could be the dilation of skin microvessels in high-temperature outdoor environments, leading to blood pooling in the lower body, which reduces blood flow to the brain, resulting in dizziness and weakness in the limbs.

Typically, resting in a cool place and lying down, along with replenishing vitamins and fluids, including electrolytes, can help alleviate symptoms.
I wonder if you have been supplementing with electrolytes? Low sodium levels can also produce similar symptoms.
Mild hyponatremia may not be felt or may only cause nausea and general weakness.
If sodium deficiency persists, symptoms such as headaches and lethargy may occur.

I recommend developing a habit of adequately replenishing fluids and electrolytes, and monitoring your urine output—has it decreased? Is the color darker? During the summer, it is important to regularly hydrate, approximately every 2-3 hours, aiming to urinate about 200-300 milliliters to prevent dehydration.
Dehydration can lead to various minor issues due to muscle hypoxia.

I suggest increasing your intake of B vitamins and reminding yourself to stand up and stretch every half hour to avoid nerve compression and muscle tension that may exacerbate your symptoms.
It would be advisable to consult a neurologist for further examination and follow-up.

Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health, peace, and joy.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2022/07/21

More Info

When experiencing symptoms such as persistent headaches, body numbness, and feelings of weakness, it is crucial to understand the potential underlying causes and when to seek medical help. Your description of symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, full-body numbness, and headaches that wake you from sleep, raises several important considerations.

Firstly, the combination of a rapid heartbeat and feelings of anxiety can indicate a panic attack or anxiety disorder. These conditions can lead to physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and a sensation of numbness or tingling, often referred to as paresthesia. This is particularly relevant if you feel these symptoms during periods of stress or anxiety.
The numbness you describe, which starts from your head and extends to your feet, could be related to several factors. One possibility is that it may be due to nerve compression or irritation, especially if you have poor posture or spend long periods in one position. Conditions such as cervical spondylosis or herniated discs can lead to nerve compression, resulting in numbness and pain.
Additionally, the sensation of blood not circulating properly, along with the "tight" feeling in your head and neck, may suggest tension-type headaches or cervicogenic headaches, which are headaches that originate from issues in the cervical spine. These types of headaches can be exacerbated by stress, poor posture, and muscle tension.

The presence of nausea and loss of appetite can further complicate the picture. These symptoms can be associated with migraines, which often come with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can also cause aura symptoms, including visual disturbances or tingling sensations, which may explain the numbness you are experiencing.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan, to rule out any serious conditions such as neurological disorders or vascular issues. Blood tests may also be necessary to check for underlying conditions such as anemia, thyroid dysfunction, or electrolyte imbalances, which can contribute to feelings of weakness and fatigue.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may be related to anxiety or tension-type headaches, the combination of numbness, weakness, and persistent headaches warrants further investigation. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your symptoms in detail and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment options. Early intervention can help manage your symptoms effectively and improve your quality of life.

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