Tingling and weakness in all extremities

[Mrs.]

Over the last 3 months I began having pain in my joints, now I have been experiencing tingling and numbness in my extremities.  I have been to a rheumatologist who ran a large number of tests.  He initially thought Lupus, but there were not enough factors to make a conclusion.  My potassium was low so I thought the tingling and numbness may be related to that, I was given a rx for potassium, however nothing has changed, and I have developed diarrhea.

[j.drake]

I have had very similar symptoms.  I have pain in my joints and I have sciatica problems.  But lately I have numbness in my pinky and ring fingers on both hands and also my shoulders and feet.  I am wondering what is causing it?  I have been to physical therapy for the scitica but haven't been seen for the numbness. I don't know if I want to find out what is going on, it scares me.  I was already diagnosed with Grave's last year, that is how I found this website.  I hope that they can figure out what is causing the numbness and tingling, if they do let me know.



Jenni

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

There could be several causes of these complaints and you would need to consult a doctor for a detailed clinical evaluation to come to a definite diagnosis.

Are you on any medications currently? Since when are you having the symptoms?

'Paresthesia of the mouth, hands, and feet are common, transient symptoms of the related conditions of hyperventilation syndrome and panic attacks. It may also occur when blood circulation is reduced and suddenly restored.'

Without a proper supply of blood and nutrients, nerve cells can no longer adequately send signals to the brain. Because of this, paresthesia can also be a symptom of vitamin deficiency and malnutrition, as well as metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism.

Irritation to the nerve can also come from inflammation to the surrounding tissue. Joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome are common sources of paresthesia. Nerves below the head may be compressed where chronic neck and spine problems exist and can be caused by, amongst other things, muscle cramps which may be a result of clinical anxiety or excessive mental stress, bone disease, bad posture, unsafe heavy lifting practices or physical trauma such as whiplash.

Another cause of paresthesia, however, may be direct damage to the nerves themselves, i.e. neuropathy, which itself can stem from injury or infection such as Lyme disease, or which may be indicative of a current neurological disorder. Chronic paresthesia can sometimes be symptomatic of serious conditions, such as a transient ischemic attack, motor neurone disease, or autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis or lupus erythematosus.'

'Treatment should be decided by a neurologist. A CT scan is often used as a diagnostic tool.

Medications offered can include the immunosuppressant prednisone, intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG), anticonvulsants such as gabapentin or gabitril and antiviral medication, amongst others, according to the underlying cause.

In some cases, rocking the head from side to side will painlessly remove the "pins and needles" sensation in less than a minute. A tingly hand or arm is often the result of compression in the bundle of nerves in the neck.

Loosening the neck muscles releases the pressure. Compressed nerves lower in the body govern the feet, and standing up and walking around will typically relieve the sensation. An arm that has "fallen asleep" may also be "awoken" more quickly by clenching and unclenching the fist several times; the muscle movement increases blood flow and helps the limb return to normal.'

Treating the underlying cause as a vitamin B 5 or B 12 deficiency, quitting alcohol, etc also helps.

You could read more about this at -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paresthesia

Let us know about what the doctor advises and post us if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

[Aeryn831]

I have also experienced the tingling and numbness in my face and extremities. I consulted one doctor and he said that it was anxiety. Yeah right! Then this past March I was "diagnosed" with Lupus... I use the term loosely because the doctor never actually diagnosed me with Lupus but has me on Plaquenil and told me that I have all the signs and symptoms of lupus. So why would she put it in the books as Lupus? Never-the-less, I still get the tingling in my face (like i have this morning) and throughout my lower arms and hands through my fingertips and no one can seem to tell me what it is.....