Tingling/numbness -Negative MRI

[Auburn]

I have had tingling/numbness in my arms/legs for 3 months. ARMS significantly worse than feet and SIGNIFICANTLY worse at night. I wake up with my arms "asleep" I have tingling/burning in hands and electric shock feelings in feet.  Eye exam- normal.  Negative brain MRI, Negative EMG testing that was completed on the right arm. Cervical spine MRI in 2 weeks. Neurologist states,"if it is not this-then it is not a nerve problem."

I am very frustrated to find a diagnosis.  I have been under much chronic stress for 2 years- husband deployed in combat-death of friends-new job- relocation.  I can totally accept the diagnosis of anxiety, if that is truly what it is.  However, can ANXIETY truly cause these symptoms?  They are present everyday.

2002- Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis (somewhere between T-2 and T-4)  Surgeon has said that the nerves have regenerated based on return of the sweating.  He is unsure if it is possible that the regeneration of nerves could be pressing on another nerve to cause the tingling/numbness.  What is your opinion?

So, my questions are- can anxiety cause these physical symptoms and do you think it is possible that the nerve regeneration could result in these type of symptoms?

Thank you so much for your time!
Auburn

[lb154]

Hi Auburn, I hope you're still doing better. I was seriously doubting the anxiety diagnosis as well until one day I had a panic attack out of the blue, during a test (which I was having no trouble with) on a day that I had a ton to do. I started trembling really bad and could not stop, so I went straight to the medical center on my campus. At the last minute I decided to see a counselor instead, just becuase I knew the doctor wouldn't say anything new and I thought it would be good to see what kind of physical manifestations anxiety really can have. The counselor handed me a list of symptoms and said: "well, what do you think?" I had all 10 or 11 symptoms, including numbness, hot flushes, fear of dying, difficulty swallowing, shaking, etc. I was relieved to hear this but had another attack the next night while trying to sleep and had to go to the hospital..i seriously thought I was dying. They gave me an Atavan pill, gave me 2 more for the next day and sent me home. I can not describe the feeling I had the next day. I don't typically like taking pills, but even just this once, it was amazing to remember how calm and normal I could feel -- above all without fear. Suddenly I knew I would get everything done, and it would be alright, and I didn't worry. I realize I must have started having these symptoms because of stress and a bit of depression last fall and have literally turned myself into a nutcase by imagining all the horrible things that could be wrong with me (on top of other fears...career after graduating, relationship, etc.).
I'm now working on being a bit more of a minimalist than a perfectionist, meditating and retraining my thought patterns so as not to always fear and envision the worst and simply trying to take more time to relax and enjoy the moment.
To anyone out there having similar symptoms, consider anxiety if no other diagnoses seem to be correct...and don't wait as long as I did to start getting help.

[randombird]

Hi everyone
1 am 24 yrs old and have numbness in my hand, leg and big toe.  It first appeared in Nov after i have to confess that i had rather a lot to drink.  This has since appeared in my big toe and leg as well.  I have been tested for diabetes, vitamin b12 deficiency and diabetes, I have none of them.  I am going for an MRI scan but its going to take months.  The doctor says she wants to rule out MS.  I do smoke and I drink quite a lot when I go out.  Any ideas? Please help I am v worried Thanks

[chicosalt]

A related discussion, Tell me it IS anxiety. was started.

[gatammy70]

I too, had those symptoms & after much surfing of the web, found Restless leg/arm syndrome.  I read something about this being related to a magnesium deficiency & immediately went out & bought magnesium vitamins. To this day, since taking 400 mg of Magnesium... I have yet to wake up with my arms tingling anymore.  Good luck!

[johnterry1004]

A related discussion, right side of head numb and neck finger tips was started.

[goofydump]

Do any of you get the numb/burning/tingling in your face? I have it over my entire chin and both cheeks. This is where I notice most often. However, there isn't a day that goes by that it isn't noticed in my fingertips and left forearm. Last night the bottom of my left heel was numb and so was the bottom of my right big toe. From reading, it sounds like a lot of you only get the symptoms on one side?