tinnitus and burning sensation on skin of arms, legs and face

[joeybubbles]

I have frequently gotten cold sores for 20 years and take zovirax as needed.  In November I woke up and had high pitched ringing in both ears which has never gone away.  In February I had an episode of vertigo/severe imbalance that lasted about 12 hours.  since then I had one other episode that lasted 1 1/2 hrs.  I freqently feel like I have motion sickness.  Since the beginning of June I've had a sunburn feeling on the skin of my left side of face, jaw and both arms.  It really hurts to lightly rub my hands over them or if cool air is blowing on them.  It always hurts but some days it is worse than others and it usually hurts more in the evening.

I am not fatigued.  Went to a neurologist and my exam was normal.  MRI of brain and auditory canals was normal.  Vitamin b12 level was 311.  BMP and CBC, thyroid studies and immune panel was normal. My cholesterol is usually 90-120, ldl and triglycerides in 40s.  My bloodpressure is usually 90-110/60s.
I am a 44y/o otherwise healthy female.  I've been taking acyclovir daily now to suppress the cold sores that have increased in frequency the past two years.  One month ago I started taking a sublingual b12/folate/b6 combination tablet daily.

I truly am not an anxious person at all, although I am concerned that this will progress if I don't find out what is causing it.

I appreciate so much any insight you can give.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

It is important that you had an MRI scan to exclude for example an acoustic neuroma. A herpetic infection of the facial/trigeminal nerve can produce similar symptoms, but usually selflimiting unless significany damage is done to the nerve form inflmamation - the damage would be non-progressive though. Treamtent with antivirals or steroids is only proven to be effective in the first 2-3 weeks of the infection.

Other causes could include Menieres disease (increased fliud pressure in the inner ear causing hearing lossm tinnitus and vertigo). Treatment is symptomatic or in severe cases, destruction of the fluid chambers in the inner ear. Also, perhaps brainstem auditory evoked responses, which can be more sensotoive than MRI at picking up an abnormality could provie more information about hearing and the brainstem strucutures.

Good luck

[cindiann_39]

Hi, I have been frantically searching every msg. board on the internet hoping to find an answer. I also have tinnitus which started almost 2 months ago and has gone on non stop since. My other symptoms started as burning and tingling in my hands and feet then it progressed to my whole body. Right before the tinnitus started, my face and head started going numb and now and then my right arm does too. I have been going round and round with several doctors. They have done lots of testing, they started off saying they thought it was MS. They did lots of different blood work, on Thursday evening a Neurologist from Ohio State University Hospital called and said that she thinks that she may have found my problem. My Iron levels and Ferritin levels are EXTREMELY low and also my B-12 level is at 272. Which is withing range (200-900)but she said that when a person has neurological symptoms and their levels are below 400 she treats them with B-12 shots, she said that the vitamin pills do not take care of the problem. She is doing a prescription for me and on Monday I will be starting them everyday for the first 2 weeks and then depending on how the levels go up they will decide the next course of treatment. I have been told by several different people on here that a B-12 problem can cause all types of terrible symptoms so I am praying this will work for me.
As for you...maybe since your levels are below 400 this could be some of  your problem if not all. I know it sounds like to easy of a cure but I guess you we won't know til we try. All I know is to tell you to keep trying, keep pushing because a lot of doctor think it is easier to try and mask the symptoms by prescribing Xanax and that type thing instead of getting to the bottom of it. Three doctors that I went to insisted that it was all in my head, It was nerves, anxiety and I just shook my head and told them in no uncertain terms that it was not and that I was NOT taking those meds. Just as you said I am not a nervous stressed person and I just refused to be put off. I felt bad sometimes that I might have came off as a pain in the butt but hey no one is going to help us but US!!! Keep at it! My prayers are with you!!

[cindiann_39]

One more comment, I just went back and reread your post..
Another similar thing.. I have had herpes symplec 2 cold sores since I was 5 years old....Hmm, wonder if this virus would have anything to do with all of this??? if you come across any news please post and I will also!

[jjohn510]

Hello, I am a 39 y.o. male with severe burning skin all over my body!  The worst areas are my chest, back, neck, face, head and my ears burn and flush red hot.  I did have neck surgery for Spinal Stenosis.  My Doctor thinks it may be nerve related from the Spinal Stenosis I had.  I have tried every nerve pain meds, pain meds, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety meds, etc.  Nothing works, and it has started to drive me crazy!

I have seen a Neurologist with no success.  I am going into a Pain Management Program, but I am not very positive about the possible results!  That's because nothing has worked so far, and this has been going on since June 2004!  I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by another Doctor several years ago.  I am wondering if maybe this is the cause.  I wish there was some relief that we all could find.  I have not been able to work since this all started.  Help!!!

[joeybubbles]

If this was meniere's would the same thing causing meniere's also be causing the burning skin feeling in my arms?
Could a vitamin b12 level of 311 have anything to do with it and should I look into that further?  
thank you for taking the time to respond to my question!

[Supermom2]

Does your facial pain come and go?  I am a 46 year old female, presently in great health (I think).  April of 1996 I had surgery for an AVM in the left frontal lobe after experiencing a gut wrenching headache.  For at least 20 years I have experienced facial pain (one side at a time).  It starts out alongside my cheek or eyebrow, then a day later I get a deep pain in the ear (like a tic) and then my back molor is sore. The whole facial area is very painful to touch.  This all lasts for about 3-4 days.  It is not constant; but has become more frequent as I get older (twice a month now)versus every other month.  When I had surgery in '96 there was question about a lesion in the left jugular foramen; an anatomical variation.  Does anyone know if an anatomical variation in the jugular foramen would cause facial pain?

[Beebarbiedoll]

I do know how you feel.  I have burning prickling sensations that started in the legs and is now just about all the way up my body.  I am being tested for MS, Lupus and other nerve disorders and so far, everything, thank God, has come out okay. I to had surgery.  I had a cervical fusion 5 months before all of this stared out of nowhere.  It is possible and I do beleive that some disorders like ours, go without diagnosis and a good part of the time, go away as quickly as they came on.  I for one am thankful that the major diseases, the ones that mimic the symptoms that we have, are not what we actually have.  As hard as it is to pretent the burning and prickling sensations are not there, I sometimes tell myself that they are ruling out all the major illnesses that it could be and talk myself into the fact that they may never find a diagnosis and I may just get better as quickly as I started feeling horrible.  Hang in there and if you need moral support, write me.  I will write back.

[Lilybelle]

I was search for answers for my mother's recent bouts with "burning sensation" in her forearms and legs and I came across this set of Q&As.  Her episodes last several seconds and are very painful (like touching a hot pan), the most frequent site being in her right forearm where the burn travels like a "streak" toward her elbow.  Strangely enough, my mother has had tinnitus and vertigo/Menieres on and off the past ten years.  She doesn't describe the burning sensation as being "on her skin," but more beneath the skin sharply along a nerve possibly.  Does this sound like the symptoms you're having?  My mother is in her late 70's, taking meds for high cholesterol and other prescribed meds.  No history of stroke or heart disease or diabetes that we know of.  Thanks for any clues you can offer!!!

[joeybubbles]

Hi
I wish I could be of more help.  This came on last November and one doctor said it might be this benign positional vertigo BPPV related to the herpes virus from my cold sores getting into the nerves.  But the burning sensation on my skin started in november.  It feels like a sunburn.  Hurts to rub my hands over it and it hurts if the airconditioning is blowing on it.
I had this same sensation in my hip on and off for years.  I started taking a b12 vitamin about 6 weeks ago.  My b12 level was normal, but low normal.  I see another neurologist the end of this month, so I'm happy to let you know what he said.

take care
I hope all goes well with your mom.  If she hasn't already had basic tests for b12, thyroid studies and glucose, she probably should.

[Beebarbiedoll]

The new drug for nerve pain that supposedly has very few side affects is:  Lyrica (Pregabalin). It should be out now.  Very new but supposed to be superior to Neurontin...

[rbc]

I have Trigeminal Neuralgia.  If you have face pain that comes and goes, you need to go see a neurologist and ask about this.  You can also go to the Trigeminal Neuralgia Website to get additional information.  I have had it for 15 plus years.  You have periods of remission where your pain goes away and then returns with a vengence.

[nursey]

I was dx. with hyperthyroid, graves disease about 8mts. ago my face has started burning 3mts. ago and is driving me crazy. Make sure Dr. has checked TSH levels. I am not sure what is causing this but maybe this will help. good luck

[bunnys74]

i am asking this for my hubby  he went to doc they say he has aniexty but  all the pills they gave him don't work he had a burning feeling on top of his head and when he worked out in the sun it would get worse but now the burning has moved to his chest and also he says his nevres jump in his skin one day at work he said he felt like this pop on his wrist then then next then he knows he past out that is when doc said he has aniexty but he took zoloft and now on xanax but the burning still there and getting worse if anybody can help please  write back thanks alot

[Beebarbiedoll]

I have had something similiar to your husband and have been through many, many tests.  Nothing.  The symptoms are starting to subside. Have your husband ask his regular doctor to refer him to a neurologist.  That doctor will do the appropriate blood tests to see what might cause those particular symptoms...Good luck.

[bunnys74]

thanks for writing back i tring to get him a appointment with the nert. doc but tring to save the money he doesn't have insurance  but been to different er docs they all say the same thing but i was looking up ms that kind of scared me also i forgot to say he has a visison thing going on too  he says everything looks dark at times he says he feels like he his out his body at times to so if u got anymore comments that will help please i would like to know thanks

[laundry lady]

Wow, misery loves company! The burning and tingling will drive you crazy. i have it in my head and face, sometimes legs. This has been since June 2005. I now feel some sort of burning/tingling all the time. It is quite unnerving to say the least.Not to mention a huge distraction regarding family and work. I am the Assistant director of an employment service organization for people with severe developmental disabilities. The past few months I feel as if I need the assistance instead of offering assistance to others.
I am distressed at this helpless feeling and the unknown issues occuring within my body are driving me mad. I know that you are feeling the same way. it is theraputic at least to know that others experience this and understand the irritation of trying to get Drs to understand what you are feeling.
Good luck to you, I wish you a speedy recovery and satisfactory resolution.

[ryanabbymom]

I have been experiencing some weird sensations in my face.  It started in Fall 2004 and would come and go.  It actually feels like  I have been hanging upside down.  You know how your face feels like all the blood has rushed to your head and it sort of has that fat, warm feel to it?  I lost 30lbs. since January (I was trying) and I noticed the sensation hadn't occurred in a long time.  Then it started again about 1 1/2 months ago.  It got so bad two weeks ago that I finally went to the doctor.  She examined me and sent me to the lab for a blood draw.  I got a call from the office to come back in for a f/u blood draw because I had a positive ANA.  I am being tested for all sorts of lovely autoimmune and connective tissue disorders.  I don't really have any other symptoms other than that weird feeling in my face.  I am still awaiting the results from the second draw.  Has anyone else ever experienced similar sensations??  People really look at me funny when I describe how it feels.

[mvenoy]

I have been suffering from extreme burning sensation from the bottom of my feet to just under the rib cage including the small of my back for over 3 years. I have sought help from 3 Neuroligist and the Dir of the Nerve and Muscle Center of Houston with no releif. I have been taking 2400mg of Neurontin daily plus 1 Tegretol that keeps the condition bearable. I have had 3 MRI's with the latest one (2 weeks ago)indicating that I have Stenois in the neck area. I have tried the new drug Lyrica which did absolutely nothing for the burning and blistered sensations. I received a new prescription of Baclofen this week and it too has been of no help. I will today start the Neurontin again so that I can at least get some relief. Stood in the cold swimming pool up to my chest this morning at 1:00 A.M and again at 5:00 A.M seeking some relief. I can not wear socks, underwear or anything tight. I am unable to place a sheet or cover over my lower body at night due to the increse in burning. The Dr's are calling it Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy. I have an appointment next Monday with a Neuro Surgeon for him to take a look at the recent MRI. Doctor does not know for sure that they will be able to diagnose cause or cure even with surgery...I apologize for this is a long whiney post. I am 71 yr old male,I have had by-pass surgery and carotid surgery in 2001...Any help or suggestions sincerely appreciated

[joeybubbles]

well I went to a new neurologist who was quite nice and patient.
He said that my neuro exam was not normal.  My left side was out of equilibrium with my right side and that was causing my motion sickness type feeling.  Unfortunately, he said he had no idea what was causing these symptoms, (burning skin, dizziness and tinnitus)  His did some bloodwork: ana, b12, folate, serum immunoglobin electrophoresis, crp, and they were all normal.
I am trying to cut down on sugar and nutrasweet and am taking vitamins, but no change as of yet, in fact its been pretty bad the past two weeks.  Oh well, I'll keep searching i guess.

[bge]

I am 56 and like all the rest have been to every dr. available and all say the same. don't know or stress but no real good answer. a friend of mine with diabetes has the same and they have told him it is damage to the nerves because of diab. I have been told I have diab. but no medication is needed. just diet. I am going to venture a quess here at the preservatives in our food. shelf life of food we consume should not be as long as it is. it has to take a tole on us at some point. another friend of mine has been on a long crusade against the preservatives in the wood around us,,, our patios, our telephone poles, railroad ties etc. if bugs won't eat them there has to be a problem. i am really starting to believe we are getting way to many insecticides ingested into our systems. I hope this is not so but it is sure starting to make more sense than anything else. nerve damage is just what the insecticides do to the bugs. we use so many on lawns, furn. patios etc. would it make sense that we are being affected just like the bugs we are fending off. gotta wonder huh??

[DArelline]

I have been on the internet all day trying to help my 43 year old sister out. She has extreem burning from her insides out and it feels like she is being attacked with a million pins and needles. It's attacking her entire body, including her eyes, nose, throat, etc. The doctor says she has Peripheral Neuropathy. She was diagnosed with Myasthesia Gravis about five years ago. Could these two problems be related? Is it possible to just wake up one day and have Peripheral Neuropathy? About six months ago she lost her sence of taste. Seems like most people have symtoms starting in one spot on their body, not the entire body. Her Neurology doctor is absolutely no help. He doesn't know what she has so he's brushed her off to her physician. Her physician is determined to get to the bottem of this problem. Has anyone in here ever experienced this pain on their entire body? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I want her to go to see an acupuncture specialist. I think these medications out there make things worse.

Respectfully,

***@****

[ameba]

I am worried myself. About 2 months ago I was told my blood work showed a prior genital herpes infection had occured as I had a small amount of antibodies present. Another test showed no current activity. About 4 weeks ago I started feeling a burning sensation in my feet, behind both knees and on the back of my left arm. No other symptoms noted, no fever etc. I have been so worried since the doctor told me about the prior genital herpes infection that I wonder if I am causing these symptoms from anxiety of worrying 24 7  anyone have any ideas. I have been to the er with this and all my blood work comes back normal, so does any urine test. I am feeling panic at this point. HELP

[SANDYDANDY]

Bunnys 74,I know what you are going through. I'm 35 years old, and have 2 daughters 4 & 6. I have never smoked. Do not have HBP., basically pretty healthy. My Mother had suffered agoraphobia for years, Now I have been expierencing a Burning sensation across my chest around to my back, down my arms, in my face. I also get this hot or cold flushing feeling at the top of my head down through my whole body out my feet. I have ringing in my ears, I feel lightheaded, dizzy, a "Floating Feeling"  and actually an impending doom feeling. I was at 3 different hospitals, done several tests,and they all came back normal. blood test, mri. ct scans, chest x-rays, ekg, ecg, stress test, nuclear stress test, All Normal!  It is very frustrating. They all say it it a Panic Disorder. The doctors in the hospital gave me lexapro, klonopin, toptol for my palpitations. At one point I got so anxious, I got my heart rate up to 176 !  This is Really scarry! I was on the meds for 2 weeks, then went to a phychiatrist,and he changed the meds to zoloft, and xanax. I've been on them for 1 1/2 weeks. I am actually feeling more anxious now, I think. Anyone else ever get these feelings. I was always scared to death to take any medication at all, now I just can;'t stand these feelings every day,and just decided to try to take the medicine. Please let me know if anyone ot there has any suggestions. Thanks!

[floxie]

Have any of you taken any flouroquinolone? Levaquin, Cipro, Tequin, Avelox etc.  I had an adverse reaction and have so many of the same symtoms as all of you.

[Peter Fitz]

G'day from Australia.

This has been with me for the last 2 year and is still progressing, I'm a 54 year old male, married for 30 years, worked as a Fitter/Welder and who has not worked for the last 18 months. The tinnitus is only very now or then but the rest just marches on. I'm begining to have trouble with swallowing, getting my knees to lock and with my ballance. I have involintary muscle movement as well as various jerking of the limbs, I get to experiance 'bee stings' and 'ant bits'at irregular intervals. One thing about this condition you know that you are alive. My ability to have sex is fast dissapearing as is my ability to hold urine, one of these days I'm not going to make it.

I'm also beginning to have trouble to pronounce words when I talking. I do a fair bit of public speaking as I'm heavly involved in helping East Timor. Last night will properly be the last time that I do it as I get an uncontrolable shake and stutter, not that I let it stop me but it is starting to become very distracting for those who I speak to. I cannot do any physical work at all as it can take days to recover.

As for the pain it is also winding up progresivly, to the point that I live on some serious pain killers. There is also a suggestion that I have an other condition, polyganglionopathy.

The one thing that I find that helps when I have the bad days is to endevour to keep a busy as posible, it takes a bit of disapline but on bad days this is the best answere I have to pain.

Be encouraged because life is still worth living.

Regards.


Peter Fitz

[ameba]

Hi All  I believe I found the reason for alot of my problems. I had a lower spine MRI done and what was found was a bulged disk in my spine, the very last one and it causes a variety of symptoms from burning in the feet and legs to headaches to general muscle aches because of the pain your whole body tenses up. i demanded a spine MRI from my MD so people don't give up. Your paying the bill, demand that tests be done because if you don't they will push it off as anxiety. The doctors are not the ones in pain, you are. So until i see a specialist, vicodin will get me by. Good luck all

[jjnhra1]

40 female, what's been happening to me is dizziness somethimes, nausea, tinnitus all the time, burning in the back of my head by the brain stem.  Doctor thinks it's anxiety.  I find myself not being able to think straight.  I don't know.  I tried lexapro and the burning did not go away it got worse.  Doctor just did a full blood check up I am waiting the results.  I know he was checking the B12 issue.  I don't know any help???

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