Prickling, numbness, shooting neck pain, odd sensations

[tednstef]

For the last few months I have, on and off, experienced patches of numbness on my legs. On one recent occasion vision in my right eye was cut of by while light, even when I closed my eyes. Lasted about a half hour and haven't experienced again. I have begun to have occasional shooting pains in my neck, under my right ear. Today, the 4th and 5th fingers on my left hand are prickling. I also have a spot on my left half of forehead that is tender when I touch or rub. It has been there for several months now so I know it is not a bruise or pimple. I am generally tired and moody, though that could be do to school vacation:) I have been taking a wait and see attitude. What could I be looking at here - minor and major?

I am 35, 5'4, 140 lbs and a smoker.

Thanks for your time.

[mike1105]

i'd see a neurologist-- your symptoms are unusual and not localized

[tednstef]

I agree, symptoms are not very localized. I meant to say my right hand was experiencing the prickling sensations. Since a lot of the symptoms seem to be on my right side (but not all) I am wondering if the sore spot on the left side of my forehead has something to do with it. Doesn't left brain control right?

As far as seeing a doctor, I am trying to wait and see if I experience more regular symptoms. It's so random and inconsistent right now and I don't want to be taken as a hypochondriac.  

Thanks for taking the time to give your input.

[williams123456]

If you bend your head forward, so your chin touches your chest,
do you experience any sensations?

You say:
one recent occasion vision in my right eye was cut of by while light, even when I closed my eyes

Can you reword that?   It does not make grammatical sense.

[tednstef]

Good Morning William.

To answer your questions:
"If you bend your head forward, so your chin touches your chest,
do you experience any sensations?"

Besides a little stiffness from not stretching the neck muscles - No.

"You say:
'one recent occasion vision in my right eye was cut of by while light, even when I closed my eyes' "

The peripheral (spelling?) vision in my right eye was blinded by white flashing light that was still visible when I closed it. When reading, the last letters of a word were cut off. Vision returned to normal in about 1/2 hour.

The symptoms are so sporadic that I forget about them once they subside, until the next strange sensation appears. Then I start to worry again. Maybe it's just signs of aging:) Today I feel great.

[ashlee18]

i was reading the page and yesterday in school band practice i had a hard time breathing i had water its wasn't that hot outside but when practice was over i felt all my body numb and i fell to the floor my hands started to cramp up so did my feet it felt like as if one all our legs falls asleep i had a hard time breathing it was more like panting this lasted for more that an hour i really dont konw what this might be anyone have an idea

[williams123456]

Hello tednstef,
  That is a good sign that bending your neck causes no sensations. :)

  Does the leg numbness follow dermatomes?
http://www.maturespine.com/images/dermatomes.gif
Is it in both legs?   Is it predominantly feet?

  You say:
The peripheral vision in my right eye was blinded by white flashing light that was still visible when I closed it. When reading, the last letters of a word were cut off. Vision returned to normal in about 1/2 hour.

While that sounds fairly non serious, it could be the first sign
of retinal detachment (which is very serious).    I had a similiar
symptom, called the nurse, and had an eye exam the same day.
They found nothing.   They reassured me that an immediate exam
was appropriate because they have a better chance of treating
in the first day or so.    I suggest that you call the nurse the
next time it happens.

Are you sure it is only the right eye?
Do you experience a headache afterwards?

[tednstef]

Thanks William for your questions and advice. I thought of detached retina  but by the time I came to that conclusion it went away. If it happens again I will call the eye doctor immediately. I am pretty sure I am not suffering from migraines. I will check out the website soon regarding the numbness.

[tednstef]

i was reading the page and yesterday in school band practice i had a hard time breathing i had water its wasn't that hot outside but when practice was over i felt all my body numb and i fell to the floor my hands started to cramp up so did my feet it felt like as if one all our legs falls asleep i had a hard time breathing it was more like panting this lasted for more that an hour i really dont konw what this might be anyone have an idea

Ashlee - I am not an expert but it sounds like dehydration or even over-hydration, which can be dangerous. Could also be a panic attack, or maybe both. Please see a doctor or talk to your parents about taking you.

[megnme]

Hello. Im having very similar symptoms as you have and suddenly (within the past 3 weeks) , my mother has been experiencing them as well. i have strange prickly sensations, my feet will fall asleep for very long periods of time, my vision blurs all the time, and ive had the strange flashes of light also. i also have generalized pain that seems to come and go. the dr. said its fibromyalgia.. which i think is a symptom rather than a condition. or a fancy way to say 'i dont know.' i do have strange sensations when i tilt my head to my chin though, unlike you. i have a sharp pain that goes from my head down my spine, almost electrifying. this has been gong on with me for about 3 yrs.. symptoms come and go. you seem to have  simialar symptoms so u prob need to see a neurologist. my mother has an appointment next week. hers came so suddenly.. they think she has multiple sclerosis. if she does, ill prob get checked out too. but the symptoms seem to match with what im haveing.. and you also. so prob get checked out.. theres got to be some reason these things are happening.

[7pape]

Hello Everyone,
I was in a wreck in December 2006. I was rear ended by a car that was rear ended and push into me.
This was my first ever, so I was very nervous when I got out of the car. I didn't think I was hurt so I went on to tend to business.

Before the hour was up I was in bad pain in my back, neck, hips and legs.My husband came and took me to the emergency room. After blood work, teetee test, xrays, I was told nothing was broken and to follow up with my normal doctor. I was also given two or three shots, one was for pain.The next day I went to my regular doctor he done more blood work.
He finally told me I didn't hurt, it was all in my head. Now over the months I've had severe back neck leg pain, numbness that is in spots on my right arm. I can turn my head and my jaw and right side of my face goes numb and then starts stinging, and it feels like my right eye has fallen down.
I stay weak feeling, constantly in pain, dizzy, and my bones and knees hurt, and muscle spasms and sometimes feel I have no control of my hands.

I've had st scan, everything looked ok, I had a bone scan, again they found nothing. I also have strange sensations all over.
And now to top that, I have to get a lawyer to get my medical bills paid before time runs out, he also wanted to give my three hundred dollars over for my troubles.

Iam scared too.
Thank You
7Pape
  

[[email protected]]

Dear 7pape,

I would seek the adivce and help of a chiropractor.  A lot of can happen to a cervical spine as far as misalignement and nerve  impingement are concerned.  The MD's are trained to only look for a break or defect in the bone that shows up on an xray.  Overstretched ligaments do not show up on an x ray but a chiropractor may be able to restore proper alignment and thus relieve your symptoms and promote healing.

I had the same problems and symptoms as you describe after a diving accident and no doctor could help me or even make a diagnosis, when  finally I went to a chiropractor and have been in his care ever since (30 years).  It's worth exploring.  By the way,  the neurologist thought I may have MS, but thank God it wasn't so.  

[MikeyMac]

I am new here; just looking up some bizaare symtoms.  Occassional nerve jolts.  But what I was really looking up was trying to find out what it means if I get some buzzing in my lower legs when I touch my chin to my chest.  I do.  What's that mean?

[Abel Arroyo]

Sensation of shortness of breath, numb scalp,neck ,middle of back,heavy legs, anxiety,depression,
stiff neck, nasal and head pressure.

Any ideas

[cooldels]

I have had four back surgeries and suffer chronic pain more often do I blame the way I feel on that I believe you mess up your spine and nerves you've put your body out of wack. my question is.I have what I call happy feet where my legs jump uncontrollable especially at night or when I relax actually jumped me out of bed one night and I have body tremors as well loss of balance I call that leg be gone one minute its there holding you up the next its gone. Cronic fatigue the list goes on I agree about the catch all fibromalisia but what happen this weekend has me going to the doctor because it scared me so bad.Out of no where the bottom of my stomach cramped and kept increasing I passed out awoke in the tub but my whole body especially both upper legs(thigh) and feet  face (around my mouth) and arms went numb and started tingling like a sleeping leg being woke up or a million stinging ants my legs always fall asleep even when I walk anyone out there ever hear of any of this?

[[email protected]]

I had an external head injury about 4 months ago, and at the time I developed "goose eggs" on my forhead. I was hit on the side of my head near the end of my eye brow by a strong force object. I had a cut and it was bleeding along with the "goose eggs". I noticed there was a sac right above the cut and I figured it would go away eventually like the others did. Well it's months since the injury and it's still there. Before it was soft sac, felt like fluid was in it, and now it has hardened. I am  worried about it. So, I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice about what it could be. Any clues or information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[AnyaD]

Thanks for asking this question "If you bend your head forward, so your chin touches your chest,
do you experience any sensations?". Thanks to you I know for sure I have MS. I wish my neurologist had asked me this question. I had some numbness in my right thigh, I went to see a neurologist and MRI she requested showed 3 or 4 old MS like lesions. My numbness went away in 3 weeks and I had no other symptoms as I thought up until I read your question. My spinal tap was negative for MS but my doctor insisted I had MS though I had "0" neurological symptoms. She wanted me to start treatment but I refused to do so because I felt completely normal. I was trying to find an excuse why I could have lesions in my head (one of them was that I had a severe case of staph infection a year ago). I was always healthy, fit, didn't smoke and, like everyone, I thought that MS or any other scary disease will never happen to me or my family....It was very frustrating. When I read your question about bringing a chin, I did it immediately and I couldn't believe what I felt - my right side of the body started to catch fire and started burning for as long as I was holding it this way. I realized that my doctor was right - I do have MS. I was a total wrack for days, I couldn't imagine how to continue to live my life (I have 2 baby boys and Husband I adore) and only now I start to get used to the idea. I am so scared and at the same time I feel good not to live in MS denial and be mad at my doctor. I called my Doctor and told I am ready to start Avonex treatment. I pray God they will invent MS cure, I don't want people who love me to worry. What I am saying, you have to take seriously what body tells you, it's very important not to waste any time and start treatments no matter what disease one got. Hopefully somebody has just a pinched nerve or something insignificant but Better to be Safe than sorry and see a doctor right away. I do have MS but now I feel lucky I caught it early !!! Good luck to everyone !!! Take care of yourself !!!  

[AnyaD]

This is me again. I forgot to mention that except burning sensation when I bring my chin to the chest, I also have a very weird feeling in my hands when I vacuum. I never read about anything like that, when I read about MS symptoms. My both hands are shaking inside for 30-40 minutes after I am done vacuuming. I can't believe it and I am only 27 being strong as a horse all my life !!! Am I just so weird or this is a common MS symptom? I am so new to MS (I got diagnosed officially just a couple of days ago) and I don't know what to expect, though I read so much already that I can be a neurologist myself :O)

[Secret_Someones]

I woke up this morning, feeling normal. I got up and did my usual neck stretch, but all of the  sudden the whole left side of my neck started to tingle, and then it led to numbing pain. Nothing tingles in my arms, or hands. It stays near my neck, now I can't even try moving my head to get blood flowing. It feels like it swells inside, and stays for about 15 seconds then the pain subsides. Somebody please help me, I can't even move right for fear of it happening again.

[Jessweetio]

I have had shooting pains on the right side of my face for 9 months now.  I was diagnosed with MS in May '05 and have been taking shots for it since with no flare-ups.  I had an MRI when I told the neurologist about the sensations (which were stabbing pain around my jaw and down the right side of my neck.  There were no new lesions found and they thought I had a muscle spasm problem. After physical therapy, several kinds of neuropathy drugs and countless hours of pain I still haven't been diagnosed successfully.  I heard something about "tic douloureax" last night which sounds SHOCKINGLY familiar.  Does anyone know if and what the connection between MS and this Trigeminal Neralgia is?

[Jessweetio]

Hey Anya, sorry, I just now read through all the posts and saw yours.  I really want to let you know that MS is NOT a life sentence to disability.  I've only been diagnosed for a year and a half but I, too, am 27.  I know what it's like, that first few months of explaining to everyone you know what you have and what can be done.  I've been taking Rebif three times a week for 18 mos. ( I used to faint whenever I got a shot) and now I'm doing great!  It's hard to see it now, but there is much hope for a cure for all of us.  It's actually not that bad of a disease (as diseases go.)  It's not fatal, and if you're a hypochondriac (like I've always felt I was) you can blame everything on MS.  There will be many hard days of uncertainty ahead, not knowing what the future holds.  But know that if you let yourself rest, keep on top of your meds and stay as positive as you can, we'll have a cure before you know it!  I know this all sounds a little too "little miss sunshine" but you can't let the fear of MS breakdown your life.  

[Lynn I.]

My sister suffered a subdural hematoma in 1998 s/p motor vehicle accident.  She now presents with right temporal/frontal lobe headaches, with associated "pressure-like" feeling behind the right eye.  She had an MRI which shows "encephalomalacia noted adjacent to the frontal horns bilaterally....facal area of enjancement felt to be extra-axial noted adjacent to the right frontal cortex."  Her primary doctor referred to this as a meningioma, but did say that it does not appear to involve the right optic nerve. I have tried to research this for her, but I have not been able to find anything that explains this on the web...I only found the definition of both terms, yet no clinical correlation, signs, symtoms, or treatment for these diagnoses.  I would appreciate some feedback if anyone out there knows what I am referring too.  She has been referred to a neurosurgeon, but it is taking alot of time to get in to see him.  So, as you can understand, any info would be better than none.  Thanks in advance.

[numb-dumb]

i am 69 yrs. old, for the past 2 months i have pins and needles right up the right arm. I have full strength but the sensation of numbness, i worry about creeping paraleses.

[AnyaD]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, it's very hard at the beginning (my biggest problem is that I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me and people in general do think that MS is a life sentence to disability, I have to explain to everyone that it's not) and I am still confused because I don't have any symptoms again. It's so hard to admit that something is wrong when you feel completely normal. I am not a hypochondriac at all, I would say I am an extreme of opposite but I do like to investigate everything. I am reading a book  Multiple Sclerosis - The Greatest Medical Mistake and I am very impressed. It makes so much sense....I am always happy but I  feel some nervousness inside at all times and this for sure will cause a bunch of MS symptoms. Of course, I would start taking drugs but the books opens your eyes on the way you live your life. I think it's pretty good for just any person.  

[AnyaD]

Sorry, I don't want to be invasive but I have a question about the treatment. Why are you taking Rebif 3 times a week under the skin if you could take Avonex just once? Avonex is an intramuscular injection which means you can self-inject yourself.