Nerve Sensations and Blood Flow Issues During Movement

Q: Nerve Sensations and Blood Flow Issues During Movement

Good morning： Based on the symptoms mentioned, the cause cannot be determined. <br>It is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic.

Inquiry about issues related to blood flow in the brain during turning over, along with numbness in the hands, feet, shoulders, neck, and back?

Hello Doctor: From November 27 to 29, I often felt tingling in my fingers, palms, and soles, mostly very mild and almost unnoticeable, without affecting my activities.
Additionally, I sometimes felt slight tingling in my neck, back, and shoulders.
However, from the evening of November 29 until now, I frequently experience a tingling and warm sensation in my neck, and the tingling in my shoulders and back has become quite noticeable and frequent.
These sensations are more pronounced when I am sitting.
My hands rarely feel tingling now, and my feet have also experienced it less often.
Since the evening of November 29, when I lie flat and turn over, I always feel a rush of blood quickly flowing to my head.
Starting from the night of December 1, even when I turn over while lying on my side, I experience this sensation (though it is less pronounced when side-lying).
Additionally, I have a slight S-shaped scoliosis, measured at 9 degrees and 11 degrees when I was 20 years old.
I often have poor posture, frequently slouching and adopting a "turtle neck" position.
I would like to ask: 1.
Does the feeling of a rush of blood to my brain when I lie down and turn over indicate that my blood vessels are being compressed, preventing blood flow to the brain? Could this lead to cerebral ischemia? Furthermore, if there is a significant rush of blood to the brain during turning, could my blood vessels potentially be overwhelmed? 2.
What could be the possible causes of the aforementioned symptoms, as well as the tingling in my hands, feet, neck, back, and shoulders? 3.
I experienced unexplained fever on November 29 and 30; could this be related to my questions 1 and 2, or could it possibly be due to my anxiety (I had trouble sleeping on November 28 and 29)? 4.
Regarding questions 1 and 2, what examinations do you recommend? I am very anxious that these symptoms could be due to a blood clot, bone spurs, or compression of the carotid or vertebral arteries, which has caused me significant anxiety in recent days.
Thank you for your response.

Qingchen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/02

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology

Good morning: Based on the symptoms mentioned, the cause cannot be determined.
It is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic.

Reply Date: 2023/12/02

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the sensations you're experiencing in your body, particularly the tingling and numbness in your fingers, hands, and feet, as well as the feelings of warmth and pressure in your neck and shoulders. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Feeling of Blood Flow When Lying Down: The sensation of a rush of blood to your head when you lie down and turn over could be related to changes in blood flow dynamics due to your position. When you lie flat, the blood flow to your brain can increase, especially if you have any compression of blood vessels in your neck or upper back. This sensation does not necessarily indicate that your blood vessels are being compressed to the point of causing ischemia (lack of blood flow) to the brain. However, if you experience dizziness or lightheadedness along with this sensation, it could be a sign of positional changes affecting your blood pressure or circulation. It’s important to monitor these symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by other neurological signs.

2. Causes of Tingling and Numbness: The tingling and numbness in your extremities and neck could be attributed to several factors. These may include nerve compression (possibly due to poor posture or spinal alignment issues), cervical spine problems, or even peripheral neuropathy. Given your history of scoliosis and poor posture, it is possible that these factors are contributing to your symptoms. Additionally, anxiety and stress can exacerbate physical sensations, leading to heightened awareness of bodily sensations such as tingling or numbness.

3. Fever and Its Relation to Symptoms: The fever you experienced on November 29 and 30 could be unrelated to your neurological symptoms. However, it is essential to consider that infections or inflammatory processes can sometimes present with neurological symptoms. Anxiety can also lead to physical symptoms, including fever-like sensations, especially if you are experiencing sleep disturbances. If the fever persists or if you develop other symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

4. Recommended Tests and Evaluations: Given your symptoms and concerns, it would be prudent to undergo a thorough evaluation. This may include imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan of the cervical spine to assess for any structural abnormalities, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, which could be compressing nerves. Additionally, nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) could help evaluate the function of your nerves and muscles. Blood tests may also be useful to rule out any underlying conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or autoimmune disorders that could contribute to your symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms could be related to posture and nerve compression, it is essential to rule out any serious underlying conditions. I recommend discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider who can perform a comprehensive evaluation and guide you through the appropriate tests. In the meantime, practicing good posture, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress through relaxation techniques may help alleviate some of your symptoms. Please take care, and I hope you find relief soon!

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