Numbness and Weakness: When to See a Neurologist

Q: Numbness and Weakness: When to See a Neurologist

Hello Mr. <br>Lin： You mentioned that "suddenly both hands' fingers, or only the fingers of the right hand, experience a tingling sensation that extends to about ten centimeters into the palm, lasting approximately 10 to 30 minutes." This may indicate a potential issue with cervi

Numbness in both hands, toes, and scalp?

Hello doctor, my situation is as follows: at the beginning of July, while stretching during breaks at work, I experienced dizziness and numbness in the third and fourth toes of my right foot for more than ten minutes.
Then, two weeks later at work, I suddenly felt numbness in my right hand, as if it were being compressed by a heavy object, making it difficult to lift.
In the past two to three days, while sitting at my workstation or just lying down to sleep at night, I have experienced sudden numbness in the fingers of both hands, or just in the fingers of my right hand, which extends to about ten centimeters into my palm, lasting approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
It feels like it has been compressed for a long time, and sometimes stretching does not help.
Additionally, in the past couple of days, I have also felt soreness, numbness, and weakness in my right upper shoulder, and my neck can turn without any stiffness.
I usually work in customer service, which involves prolonged sitting.
I have a smoking history of eight years and have visited a clinic, but it did not help.
Could this be related to my family history of hypertension and diabetes? What could be causing this, and which specialty should I consult?

Mr. Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/04

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello Mr.
Lin: You mentioned that "suddenly both hands' fingers, or only the fingers of the right hand, experience a tingling sensation that extends to about ten centimeters into the palm, lasting approximately 10 to 30 minutes." This may indicate a potential issue with cervical nerve root compression.
I would like to know if you have metabolic syndrome (characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, elevated fasting blood glucose, and high lipid levels).
If so, you may be at a higher risk for stroke.
It is important to note that the risk of stroke only returns to that of the general population five years after completely quitting smoking.
Additionally, smoking can contribute to peripheral vascular sclerosis.
I recommend consulting a neurologist for an evaluation of brain and vascular diseases, as well as arranging for peripheral nerve examinations to assess nerve repair.
It may also be beneficial to supplement with B vitamins.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2022/08/04

More Info

Based on your description of symptoms, it is essential to understand the potential underlying causes of numbness and weakness, particularly in the context of your personal and family medical history. Your symptoms, including dizziness, numbness in your toes and fingers, and weakness in your right arm, could indicate a variety of neurological or vascular issues that warrant further investigation.

Numbness and weakness can arise from several conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, cervical radiculopathy, or even more serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Given your family history of hypertension and diabetes, these factors could contribute to vascular issues that may affect blood flow to the nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness and weakness.

1. Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves and can result from diabetes, alcohol use, vitamin deficiencies, or exposure to toxins. Given your smoking history, this could also be a contributing factor. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities.

2. Cervical Radiculopathy: This occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, often due to herniated discs or degenerative changes. Symptoms can include pain, weakness, and numbness radiating down the arm or into the fingers.

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA is often referred to as a "mini-stroke" and can present with sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body. This is a medical emergency, and if you experience sudden symptoms like these, you should seek immediate medical attention.

4. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): While less common, MS can cause a range of neurological symptoms, including numbness and weakness, due to the demyelination of nerves in the central nervous system.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and the potential for serious underlying conditions, it is advisable to consult a neurologist. A neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system and can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, neurological tests, and possibly imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, as well as nerve conduction studies.

In addition to seeing a neurologist, it may also be beneficial to discuss your symptoms with your primary care physician, who can help coordinate your care and ensure that any underlying conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, are managed appropriately.

In summary, your symptoms of numbness and weakness, particularly with a family history of hypertension and diabetes, should not be ignored. It is crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a neurologist to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and help manage any potential conditions effectively.

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