Symptoms: Excessive Sweating, Pain, and Fatigue Explained - Neurology

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It seems like I'm feeling unwell - sweating at the back of the neck, skin tingling, fatigue, and so on?


Hello, Doctor.
Since this summer, I have been sweating excessively.
On August 7, I visited a rehabilitation specialist due to pain in my lower left back (near the lumbar vertebrae).
The doctor pressed on my lower back and buttocks, which was extremely painful.
He suggested that I buy a tennis ball to apply pressure on the painful points at home, and I plan to follow his advice.

A week and a half ago, I started feeling very fatigued, and my sleep duration increased by more than 1 to 2 hours each day compared to before.
At first, I thought it was due to my menstrual period, but after it ended, there was still no improvement.
About a week ago, while lying in bed at night, I often experienced sweating in the back of my neck, even with the air conditioning set to a cold temperature; that area still felt hot, and my body alternated between feeling cold and hot.

The day before yesterday at work, I felt extremely tired and drowsy.
I searched online and suspected it might be due to air conditioning sickness.
I pressed on the Zanzhu and Fengchi acupoints, but now those areas feel like they are bruised; they don't hurt unless I touch them.
The night before, I felt swelling and pain at the base of my right fingers (from the middle finger to the little finger).
I thought it might be hives, so I took more of the antihistamine I had been prescribed by my dermatologist (1 to 2 tablets daily).
In the morning, it was fine, but last night, I experienced a very noticeable stabbing pain from the base of my right ring finger, along the side of my little finger, on both sides of my palm, and extending to the back of my forearm.
By midnight, I also felt a slight stabbing sensation on the side of my left palm and forearm.

As a result, I took Naposin 250 mg and Tofranil 10 mg, along with a stomach medication, and even now, there is still a slight pain on the side of my right palm near the little finger.
Additionally, I have noticed that my feet seem to have thickened; when I wear my originally loose shoes, the tops of my feet feel constricted.
This has been happening for several months.
I'm not sure if I need to see a neurologist, so I would appreciate your advice.
Thank you!

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/25

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology


Hello, Miss: You mentioned that "there is a very noticeable tingling sensation from the base of the ring finger, along the side of the little finger, on both the front and back sides of the palm, extending to the back of the forearm." This symptom may suggest ulnar nerve compression.
Leaning your elbow on a hard surface or applying pressure to the elbow can likely lead to cubital tunnel syndrome, which can occur from prolonged activities such as typing on a computer or playing mahjong, both of which can compress the ulnar nerve and cause injury.
Common diagnostic tools include nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG).
Nerve conduction studies measure the speed of electrical signals in specific nerves.
It is crucial to identify any poor habits or situations that may put pressure on or damage the ulnar nerve.
I recommend consulting with a neurologist or a rehabilitation physician for discussion and treatment.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to reach out with any related questions! Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center, cares for you.

Reply Date: 2023/08/25

More Info


Based on the symptoms you've described, including excessive sweating, pain in the lower back, fatigue, and unusual sensations in your hands and feet, there are several potential medical conditions that could be contributing to your discomfort. It's important to approach these symptoms holistically, as they may be interconnected.

1. Hyperhidrosis: The excessive sweating, particularly at night, could indicate a condition known as hyperhidrosis. This condition can be localized or generalized and may be triggered by factors such as stress, anxiety, or hormonal changes. In some cases, it can also be a side effect of certain medications or a symptom of an underlying health issue.

2. Musculoskeletal Issues: The pain in your lower back and the tenderness when pressure is applied could suggest a musculoskeletal issue, such as a muscle strain or a condition like sciatica, where nerve pain radiates from the lower back down the legs. The recommendation to use a tennis ball for self-massage is a common approach to relieve muscle tension and trigger points, but if the pain persists or worsens, further evaluation by a healthcare professional may be necessary.

3. Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances: The increased fatigue and need for more sleep could be indicative of several conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or even sleep apnea. If you find that your sleep quality is poor despite spending more time in bed, it may be worth discussing this with a healthcare provider.

4. Nerve Issues: The tingling and pain in your fingers and hands could suggest a nerve-related issue, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy. These conditions can result from repetitive strain, underlying metabolic disorders (like diabetes), or vitamin deficiencies (such as B12 deficiency). The swelling you mentioned in your feet could also be related to fluid retention or inflammation, which can occur with various conditions, including heart or kidney issues.

5. Anxiety and Stress: The combination of physical symptoms and emotional stress can lead to a cycle of discomfort. Anxiety can manifest physically, causing symptoms such as muscle tension, fatigue, and sweating. It’s crucial to consider the psychological aspect of your symptoms, as managing stress and anxiety can significantly improve physical health.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare provider. A multidisciplinary approach may be beneficial, involving specialists such as a neurologist for the nerve symptoms, a rheumatologist for musculoskeletal pain, and possibly a psychologist or psychiatrist for anxiety management.

In the meantime, here are some general recommendations:
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate hydration can help improve overall health and may alleviate some symptoms.

- Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help reduce stress and improve your mental well-being.

- Sleep Hygiene: Establish a regular sleep routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they occur and any potential triggers, to help your healthcare provider make a more accurate diagnosis.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may seem overwhelming, they can often be managed effectively with the right medical guidance and lifestyle adjustments. Please consult with a healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms in detail and receive appropriate care.

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