Unexplained numbness that seems permanent

[BrendaKM]

I have had numbness on both sides of my scalp for about 6 years.  Since then I have noticed other areas going completely numb, my left shoulder, the center of my spine, my left hip and inner upper thigh.  There was no tingling sensations accompanying any of this.  However very very rarely, one side of my tongue will start to have pronounced tingling without explanation.  I am under a doctor's care and have had a CAT scan and MRI both of which have come back normal.  All blood tests have also come back normal. Any clue as to what is causing this?

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. If all the tests came back normal then most likely possibility in your case could be a panic or anxiety disorder that you have faced during last event and currently experiencing. Cause of such panic disorder mostly remain unknown but in this disorder you may feel symptoms like tingling or numbness,  shortness of breath, feeling of choking, pain in the chest, nausea, stomach ache, feeling dizzy, chills /hot flashes, bounding heartbeat or fast heart rate, sweating, shaking etc. even without any underlying disorder. This disorder needs to be thoroughly assessed by a psychiatrist first since this can occur repeatedly and without warning.  Treatments may include psychological and drug treatments, and depend upon extent of severity of symptoms. Most commonly psychological treatment tried is counseling, relaxation techniques and sometimes cognitive behavior therapy. ************** depends upon treating the underlying depressive illness through anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medicines.  In addition, try to rest in a dark & quiet room, meditate, have a balanced diet, regularly exercise and avoid taking unnecessary non prescription drugs to avoid recurrence of symptoms. Hope this helps!!

[BrendaKM]

The CAT scan and MRI were ordered because of more recent issues.  After having a hysterectomy just over a month ago, I started having extreme dizziness that brought on horrible headaches. Since talking to a friend of mine, she explained that after her hysterectomy last year she had the exact same symptoms and was even vomiting and fainting.  It took her about 5 months for the symptoms to start subsiding. Another friend who has also had a recent hysterectomy is also experiencing the same thing. In 2007, my doctor ordered a CAT scan looking for the explaination to my numbness but discovered I had an enlarged thyroid. The left side of my thyroid was removed but even though my thyroid hormone levels are normal the numbness persist. I have not had an EMG, MRA/MRV or anything related to circulation.  Probably because my blood pressure is in normal ranges.  Ten years ago my BP ran consistingly low - 80/60. Only after I put on weight did my BP go up to normal ranges.  Since about 2002 however, my skin has been dryer and not healing properly.  I have very dry feet - never had that problem before and a spot on my check where my dog scratched me when she was a puppy that has been red since that happen. I will ask my doctor to look at my circulation.

[LivingInHope]

Are you saying the did an CAT scan MRI of your head and spine to check for MS or other problems?  Have they ever done EMG testing?  Did they do an MRA/MRV of your head and detect no microvascular changes or other blood vessel changes?  Have they ever checked your circulation to see if it is good?