Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Nausea, Vomiting, and Numbness

Gastrointestinal discomfort with vomiting and diarrhea, along with numbness in the hands, feet, and face?

Hello Dr.
Liao, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for the past two to three months.
Initially, I felt nauseous, and a few hours after eating, I would burp and still feel the food undigested in my throat.
Then one day, I had severe stomach pain, which was most intense when I was fasting, less so immediately after eating, and mild one to two hours after eating.
I consulted a gastroenterologist, and after taking medication, the pain improved, but I still felt discomfort in my stomach.
Yesterday, after having dinner, I went to bed immediately and felt extremely uncomfortable upon waking up.
I vomited two to three times, then experienced dizziness, and occasionally felt nauseous without being able to vomit.
I saw a doctor again, but the medication didn't seem to help much.
I still feel dizzy upon getting up, experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, and occasionally feeling nauseous without being able to vomit.
I feel weak all over, and now I also have some numbness in my hands, feet, and face.
Could you please tell me what might be causing these symptoms?

Qing, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/21

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, based on the symptoms provided, gastrointestinal discomfort has been present for two to three months, accompanied by digestive issues, vomiting, and occasional diarrhea.
May I ask if there has been any change in weight? Are you currently taking any other medications? Do you have any past medical history? The relationship between dizziness and vomiting still needs to be evaluated.
At this point, it is not possible to explain all symptoms with a single diagnosis; however, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to assess whether an upper and lower endoscopy is necessary to clarify potential causes.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2015/10/21

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex set of gastrointestinal symptoms that are causing you significant discomfort. Based on your description, you have been dealing with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sensations of numbness in your extremities. These symptoms can be indicative of several underlying issues, and it’s essential to approach them systematically.

Firstly, the nausea and vomiting you are experiencing, particularly after eating, could be related to a condition known as gastroparesis, where the stomach does not empty properly. This can lead to feelings of fullness, bloating, and discomfort. The fact that you feel food lingering in your throat may also suggest esophageal issues, such as reflux or esophagitis, which can cause inflammation and discomfort when swallowing.

The severe abdominal pain you mentioned, especially when fasting, could be indicative of gastritis or peptic ulcers. These conditions can cause inflammation of the stomach lining or the formation of sores, leading to significant pain, particularly when the stomach is empty. The pain often alleviates after eating, as food can temporarily buffer stomach acid.

Your symptoms of dizziness and weakness, along with the numbness in your hands and feet, are concerning and may suggest a systemic issue. These could be related to dehydration, especially if you have been experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can cause dizziness and numbness. Additionally, if you are not eating well due to your gastrointestinal discomfort, you may be experiencing nutritional deficiencies, which can also lead to similar symptoms.

Given that you have seen a gastroenterologist and have been prescribed medication without significant improvement, it may be beneficial to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may consider additional diagnostic tests, such as an upper endoscopy, to visualize the esophagus and stomach directly, or imaging studies to rule out any structural abnormalities.

In terms of management, it is crucial to maintain hydration, especially if you are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. Additionally, dietary modifications may be necessary. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding trigger foods (such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods) can help manage symptoms.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. The combination of gastrointestinal symptoms and neurological signs (like numbness) warrants thorough investigation to rule out any serious conditions.
In summary, your symptoms could be related to several gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis, gastritis, or peptic ulcers, compounded by potential dehydration or nutritional deficiencies. Close monitoring and further evaluation by your healthcare provider are essential to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Adults

At 21 years old, with a height of 170 cm and a weight of 65 kg, I seem to be experiencing a trend of weight gain. 1. Constipation: This symptom started intermittently at the beginning of last year and became severe in March of this year, often resulting in more than three to fo...

Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
(1) Based on the symptoms you described, your issue appears to be related to gastrointestinal dysfunction, commonly referred to as dyspepsia. The fundamental approach to resolving this should involve several aspects. Firstly, dietary changes are essential; you must avoid irritant...

Understanding Your Symptoms: Gastroenteritis, Anxiety, and More

Hello, Doctor: (1) I have a psychiatric disorder—obsessive-compulsive disorder—and I am currently undergoing medication treatment. A few weeks ago, due to irregular lifestyle habits and poor eating patterns (only eating one or two meals a day, usually at night), I suddenly expe...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Your description is very diverse and complex, making it difficult to explain with a single diagnosis. For instance, "dizziness" can be categorized into central and peripheral causes, each with several underlying reasons. If we also consider symptoms like loss of ...

Understanding Gastrointestinal Distress: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery

In the early hours of Saturday, around 2-4 AM, I vomited five times (stomach acid) and had two bowel movements (one normal and one small but somewhat loose). Early Sunday morning, around 8:30 AM, I saw a doctor and received an injection. The doctor advised me not to eat anything ...

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello! As you mentioned, the symptoms you are experiencing are indeed common manifestations of gastroenteritis. Typically, discomfort lasts about three days to a week, depending on the severity. If you felt improvement on Saturday along with a reduction in fever, it is likely tha...

Understanding Food Poisoning: Symptoms and What to Do Next

A few days ago, I started experiencing cold symptoms, and yesterday I suddenly lost my voice. After having a late-night snack and taking some medication, I went to sleep for about two hours. I suddenly woke up with my hands feeling completely numb and experiencing a tingling sens...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is likely just viral gastroenteritis or a side effect of medication. Food poisoning usually involves severe vomiting and diarrhea. Please continue to monitor the situation, refrain from eating, and only drink water.