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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Parasthesias
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Parasthesias
by Roslyn, Mar 25, 2002 12:00AM
I am concerned about the sensation of mild stinging or pins & needles over most of my body including legs, arms, torso and even sometimes in my head and behind eyes. Is this Parasthesias? Each time I type in 'pins & needles' on the net MS comes up and it is terrifying me. I have no other symptoms of MS but I can not work out what other ailments can cause this. I do have an injury on my heel & ankle from a fall. However I had this tingling sensation on several occasions over the past few years - last time was about one year ago and lasted for several weeks - I must add that on both occasions it was after severe stress.
Also I do have very tight calf muscles and extreme fatigue but this could be due to stress symptoms and not enough physical activity. It is hard to find the appropriate doctor in Cairo, Egypt hence this query to you.
I am a 51 yrs old Australian living in Cairo - very worried about this sensation - there is no numbness except in the feet after sitting in one position (PC) for ages but this is normal I think?
I really would appreciate your opinion.
Many thanks
Roslyn Sadik
Also I do have very tight calf muscles and extreme fatigue but this could be due to stress symptoms and not enough physical activity. It is hard to find the appropriate doctor in Cairo, Egypt hence this query to you.
I am a 51 yrs old Australian living in Cairo - very worried about this sensation - there is no numbness except in the feet after sitting in one position (PC) for ages but this is normal I think?
I really would appreciate your opinion.
Many thanks
Roslyn Sadik
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Mar 25, 2002 12:00AM
I can understand your concern about the pins and needle sensations. The word paresthesia is simply a descriptive term characterizing sensations of numbness and tingling, but certainly does NOT automatically point to MS as some internet info (or mis-info) would lead you to believe. Paresthesias are typically in the limbs and face, less commonly in the trunk. They can be due to numerous causes such as an abnormality of the nerves coming from the spinal cord, pinched nerve in the neck or somewhere along the limb, diabetes, hereditary causes, trauma, stroke, autoimmune diseases,migraines, and of course stress among many, many other diseases. MS is NOT at the top of this list.
As I have not personally examined you, I cannot accurately diagnose you. But generally speaking, whole body paresthesias do not localize to one particular area of the brain or spinal cord.The fact that the symptoms are everywhere makes it less likely to be something serious like a stroke or brain tumor. MS of course is always a possibility and I can't say that you do not have it. But if you experienced these symptoms in the setting of stress or anxiety, it is a possibility that this could be a physical manifestation of the stress.
One thing to consider would be a formal neurological exam by a neurologist at a large university hospital in Cairo just to make sure everything is ok. An EMG which is a needle-muscle test can also be helpful in ruling out any nerve diseases. Finally, if everything is ok, consider anti-anxiety meds or nerve pain meds like gabapentin (known as neurontin in the U.S.) GOod luck.
As I have not personally examined you, I cannot accurately diagnose you. But generally speaking, whole body paresthesias do not localize to one particular area of the brain or spinal cord.The fact that the symptoms are everywhere makes it less likely to be something serious like a stroke or brain tumor. MS of course is always a possibility and I can't say that you do not have it. But if you experienced these symptoms in the setting of stress or anxiety, it is a possibility that this could be a physical manifestation of the stress.
One thing to consider would be a formal neurological exam by a neurologist at a large university hospital in Cairo just to make sure everything is ok. An EMG which is a needle-muscle test can also be helpful in ruling out any nerve diseases. Finally, if everything is ok, consider anti-anxiety meds or nerve pain meds like gabapentin (known as neurontin in the U.S.) GOod luck.
I just read your question, and my heart goes out to you. I to have spent many years fearing MS, and anyother neurological diseases I most dreaded. You see, I am an RN of 25 yrs. I have taken many patients over the years with the severe forms of neuromuscular diseases. I too have had parasthesias for many, many years. It seems that stress, prescription meds, and just about anything, (you name it) can bring it on for me. Five years ago I noticed a deep dip at the top of my left shoulder while doing abductions with weights. I have been on a 5 year quest to several neurologists, orthopods, etc, etc, etc. I have had MRI's with and without contrast, CT scans, EMG's, and blood work up the "ying yang". HA! Anyway, I have now been in PT for 7 mos. Nothing has turned up on any tests, yet I have atrophy of the trapezius, serratus anterior and Lt sternocleidomastoid.....no one knows why. I sat and read all kinds of books and info on every rare neuro disease I could find. My neurologists just say "we don't know what it is". I finally decided that I am not going to live in fear any longer. I take one day at a time, work on the exercises I can do with the muscles that ARE working, and give the rest to the Lord. I finally have a real peace in my life. I no longer look for the diagnosis, even though I do hope to post in this forum to the MD's, when I can get through. Do not be afraid, my friend, you will be fine....:)
Good luck to all!
Sincerely, Concerned lady
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