Nerve Pain and Tingling After COVID-19: A Neurology Perspective

Occasional tingling and pain in the hands and feet?

Hello, doctor.
Since I tested positive for COVID-19 in June, I have been experiencing occasional soreness in my left eye for about one to two weeks.
I have seen a doctor who said my eyes are fatigued and performed examinations, confirming that my fundus, cornea, and optic nerve are all normal, and there is no glaucoma.

Regarding my cervical spine, I previously had an MRI that confirmed herniated discs at C3, C4, and C5 with nerve compression, which has been ongoing for nearly ten years.
I underwent rehabilitation before, and my symptoms improved by about 70%.
The symptoms are primarily on the left side, and occasionally I feel some pain in my left arm, with occasional tingling sensations in my left fingers.
Sometimes, my left thigh and calf also experience soreness.

However, recently I have had two instances where I felt soreness in my right arm or tingling in my right fingers, and some pain in my right thigh.
Compared to my previous right-sided symptoms, these are much milder and tend to resolve the next day.
Additionally, my right arm occasionally experiences sudden brief tingling or a goosebumps sensation lasting about 1-2 seconds.

I recently had X-rays of my cervical and lumbar spine, and the reports indicate the following: Radiography of C-Spine A-P View, C-Spine Lateral View, L-S Spine Flexion+Extension Lat.
View, KUB+L-S Spine Lateral View (Standing) shows: Less lordotic curvature of the cervical spine, disc space narrowing at the levels of C3-4, C4-5, and C5-6, disc space narrowing at L4-5 and L5-S1, anterior slip of L3-4 during flexion, and retrolisthesis of L1-2.
I would like to ask:
1.
Are these symptoms primarily still related to issues with cervical and lumbar spine compression?
2.
Why have my symptoms suddenly shifted from the left side to also include the right side?
3.
I have ulcerative colitis (currently stable, with mucosal recovery), but I am concerned whether this could be a precursor to multiple sclerosis?

Zhe, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/02

Dr. Peng Shiwei reply Neurology

Hello, based on your symptoms, I believe there is a possibility of cervical spine compression, which can indeed cause symptoms on both sides.
I recommend that you consult a neurologist for further evaluation.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2023/08/02

More Info

Understanding nerve pain and tingling sensations after a COVID-19 infection can be complex, especially when there are pre-existing conditions like cervical disc herniation and ulcerative colitis. Your symptoms, which include pain and tingling in both arms and legs, as well as recent changes in the side of the body affected, warrant careful consideration.

1. Cervical and Lumbar Spine Issues: Given your history of cervical disc herniation at the C3-C4-C5 levels, it is plausible that your current symptoms are related to nerve compression from these cervical issues. The narrowing of disc spaces and the presence of retrolisthesis (backward displacement of a vertebra) can lead to nerve root irritation or compression, resulting in pain and tingling sensations in the arms and legs. The fact that you have experienced symptoms predominantly on the left side but have recently noticed similar symptoms on the right side could indicate that the nerve pathways are being affected bilaterally, possibly due to changes in posture, inflammation, or even compensatory mechanisms in your body.

2. Symptom Shift from Left to Right: The transition of symptoms from one side of the body to the other is not uncommon in cases of nerve compression. This can occur due to several reasons:
- Compensatory Mechanisms: If one side of the body has been compensating for weakness or pain, it may lead to overuse and subsequent symptoms on the opposite side.

- Inflammation: Systemic inflammation, possibly exacerbated by your recent COVID-19 infection, could lead to increased sensitivity and pain perception in previously unaffected areas.

- Nerve Irritation: The nerves may be more sensitive post-infection, leading to symptoms manifesting in areas that were previously asymptomatic.

3. Concerns about Multiple Sclerosis (MS): While your symptoms could raise concerns about MS, especially given the neurological nature of your symptoms, it is essential to consider your medical history and the context of your symptoms. MS typically presents with a range of neurological symptoms, including visual disturbances, motor weakness, and sensory changes. However, the fact that you have a stable condition of ulcerative colitis and a history of cervical spine issues suggests that your current symptoms may be more related to nerve compression or irritation rather than a primary neurological disorder like MS. Nevertheless, if you have persistent or worsening symptoms, it would be prudent to consult a neurologist for a thorough evaluation, including MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord, to rule out any demyelinating conditions.

In conclusion, your symptoms are likely related to your cervical spine issues, exacerbated by the recent COVID-19 infection. The shift in symptoms from left to right could be due to compensatory mechanisms or increased sensitivity. While MS is a valid concern, it may be less likely given your history. It is advisable to follow up with a healthcare provider who can perform a comprehensive neurological assessment and determine the best course of action for your treatment and management. In the meantime, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and possibly engaging in physical therapy may help alleviate some of your symptoms.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Increased Nerve Pain After Diagnosis: Causes and Treatments

Recently, after being diagnosed, the previously occasional neuropathic pain has become frequent, primarily occurring in the abdomen and thighs, both during the day and night (persistent). After taking painkillers, the pain returns after three to four hours, causing tears to flow....

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, Ms. Bai: You mentioned that the pain primarily occurs in the abdomen and thighs, is persistent both day and night, and continues after taking pain medication for three to four hours, causing tears. Is this situation common? How should it be assessed and treated? Your sympt...

Post-COVID Neurological Symptoms: Understanding Balance and Coordination Issues

Around the middle of the month, I tested positive for COVID-19. On the fourth day, I suddenly experienced stiffness in my neck in the morning. After sleeping until noon, it improved, but I felt like my entire center of gravity had shifted to my back, and my legs felt heavy in my ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello Ms. E: You mentioned feeling soreness in your neck and back... and you're unsure if it's due to lingering effects of COVID-19. Typically, the recovery time from COVID-19 is longer than that of the flu. Some colleagues around you have experienced symptoms such as f...

Post-COVID Weakness: Understanding Neurological Symptoms and Recovery

Dear Dr. Tsai, During my diagnosis on September 2, I experienced weakness in my limbs, which gradually evolved into weakness only when exerting force. I can normally pick up objects, but I have noticed that when performing fine motor tasks, my hands tremble. For example, when bu...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello, Miss Jian: The symptoms mentioned above may be indicative of a peripheral neuropathy. It is recommended to consult a neurologist for further evaluation.

Understanding Sore Throat with Muscle Pain and Numbness: Flu or COVID-19?

Hello Doctor, I started experiencing mild nasal discharge and a sore throat on Monday, without fever or cough. I also had muscle aches and occasional numbness in my hands and feet, along with swollen lymph nodes in my neck. By Wednesday, both the sore throat and nasal discharge h...

Dr. Yang Zongyan reply Influenza
Upper respiratory infections caused by viral infections can lead to these symptoms, so they are not necessarily related to the COVID-19 virus. It is recommended to first seek evaluation from a family medicine or infectious disease clinic. For intermittent numbness in the palms, i...