Numbness Tingling?

Question

For last 2 weeks been feeling slight numbness tingling in fingers almost non stop, and occasionally in toes feet arms, a couple times neck area. went to er they said peripheral neuropathy and anxiety. i went to doctor visit he said its nothing serious, not diabeties or seizures or anything like that but he didnt run any tests, he jus hit my wrists with something and asked me if i felt any difference, he came to the conclusion after about 10m it was anxiety. i told him how is it possible to be feeling these symptoms including feeling a little dizzy or a in a daze with slight numbness almost the entire day for 2wks, this is not anxiety, if it was anxiety it would only be during a panic attack, and he said he was sure its anxiety. but how do i know its not Meniere's disease i did have vertigo one time about 14 yrs ago, and i do have low ringing of the ears i hear it when i sleep and its silent. or maybe its the beginning of multiple sclerosis, im 27 yr male, any ideas

Answer 1

Tingling in the hands and feet at the same time is unusual. It's true that anxiety attacks can trigger hyperventilation (breathing too fast), which can temporarily cause tingling ('pins and needles') feeling around the mouth and in the fingers. However, that will go away when the hyperventilation resolves. In your age, and without a medical history (such as long-standing diabetes), you would need an appropriate work-up by a physician to find the cause (or causes) for your symptoms. Possibilities include a problem in the neck (such as a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis), peripheral neuropathy (which can result from a variety of conditions, including exposure to certain chemicals), medication reactions, etc. Other explanations would require two diagnoses (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica in both legs), and therefore might be over-complicating the story.

I would recommend a thorough evaluation by a neurologist. Ask your family doctor to refer you to one. If the symptoms worsen suddenly, if you experience new chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or if you start to have problems controlling bowel or bladder function, go to the ER or call 911 immediately.

Answer 2

Hello! I'm an Audiologist.

First of all, Meniere's disease does not cause numbness in the extremities. In fact, none of your symptoms sound like an inner ear disorder. According to your note, you had vertigo at the age of 13, which is uncommon, unless it's associated with an injury to the ear or brain.

Yes, numbness and tingling can be early signs of Multiple Sclerosis, but they can also indicate other things, such as circulatory issues. An MRI is the best way to rule-out MS. A neurologist or physiatrist can do an EMG to test the nerves in the extremities.

And as someone else mentioned, your post really does give the impression of someone who's wound a little too tightly. Research has shown that anxiety and psychological factors play a part in the majority of dizziness cases.

Regardless of whether it is due to anxiety or if there is a true medical condition for your symptoms, you need to learn to relax. With each passing year, we learn more and more about how relaxation vs. stress effects our body's functions, especially when dealing with illness. Consider taking yoga classes, which will help you with breathing, relaxing and mind/body connection.

I hope you feel better soon!

Answer 3

See a neorologist. If the doc thinks it is anxiety there are meds for that. You do realize that no one can diagnose you with one paragraph of writing!

If it is something else, such as MS you will undergo testing.

No matter what is going on you need ANSWERS and a peace of mind - call a neurologist or if your insurance is set up differently then have your regular doc set up the appt.

Feel better soon!

Answer 4

That happened to me too when I was pregnant. Let me know what the doctor says. If you can check your Blood pressure right away. If it's way high or way low go to ER. You describe it as "numbness and pain" try looking up trigeminal neuralgia. Google it. Good luck

Answer 5

I can already tell its anxiety..reread your post and see your self getting worked up. your freaking yourself out and prolly elivating your respritory rate..gues what..that causes you to blow off co2 carbondioxide..wich will cause tingling, numbness in the peripherials..if it gets to bad from the freak out..ive seen peopls hands and toes cramp up. i recommend you relax and devert your attention to other things that amuse you and take your mind off it..you pay to much attention to it and anxiety will get worse

Answer 6

sounds like poor circulation