Numbing/Tingling and Normal Test Results

[ellykay72]

Female, 38, Mild Asthma, Total Thyroidectomy 2004, GERD, Overweight (Lost 50 lbs. in last 2 years, 50 more to go), Non-Smoker, Non-Drinker

I woke up 3 months ago with no feeling in my left arm and a numb face.  I checked my blood pressure, and it was very high.  So, I went to the ER.  I was admitted and consulted with a neurologist.  I had a cat scan, MRI, MRA, EKG, EEG and labs.  Everything was normal, except slightly hypo thyroid numbers.  I was dismissed and followed up with my PCP.  He wondered about anxiety, but I tested negative for it on his questionnaire.  

I have literally had numbness in my face everyday since.  The tingling in the extremities comes and goes.  Can be right hand, left hand, either foot or all 4.  At my physical last week, my thyroid numbers were still low, so he changed my meds and increased me to 175 mcg.  He changed my GERD med as well, thinking it could be a drug allergy because of a change in my pharmacy's supplier for the Omeprazole.  He sent me for a nerve conduction study of my left arm.  It was normal.

Well, Friday, I woke up again with no feeling in the left arm and the same face tingling.  Very high blood pressure for hours caused me to go to the ER again.  Another set of labs, cat scan and EKG revealed no problems.  Because of family history, he gave me a mild bp medicine to take only if my bp is over 140 on the top.  It has been once since coming home.  

Right now, my face is still numb, especially in my left cheek, and my left hand and foot are tingling.  BP is normal. These feelings don't keep me from doing what I need to do.  I work.  I volunteer.  I am a busy mom of 3.  But, this is so annoying. My husband and mom think it's worry.  Regardless of what it is, I just want it to go away.  :)

Thank you for your time.

[leealan666]

Hi

I also have a tingling in left hand, foot and side f face under ear.
No and them I get a slight one in my right hand. I also have a balance issue also being investigated. Had MRI, EKG,EEG everything seems fine.

Now the Doctors are looking into ears and glands.
Have you had any balance issues or ache in top of the neck ?

Lee

[ellykay72]

A new neurologist just tested my B12.  My B12 was 275.  He likes it above 400, so I started weekly injections two weeks ago.  He also said my Vitamin D was low, so I have just started supplements.

The numbness is as strong as ever, so I hope the vitamins help.  :)

[ellykay72]

I take calcium because my parathyroids were bruised during my thyroidectomy.  But, I have never taken B12 injections.  Does a routine CBC test for B12?  I have had two CBCs in recent weeks and was told they were normal except for my thyroid, but I can ask for the B12 level.

This morning, I woke up with a numb right ear instead of left like yesterday.   Completely numb.

Thanks for your response.  :)

[sickofbeingsick1965]

Hi Elly,

Sorry you're having problems hope you find the cause and it is better soon.   Just wondering if you take supplemental vitamins, specifically b12 injections?  Vit= D w/calcium, magnesium.

Some of the neuropathy symptoms you described can be caused by these deficiencies.  I do know that GERD medicatons tend to cause malabsorbtion problems and b12 is a water soluble vitamin and the stores we have tend to get used up pretty quickly when you don't absorb. Dieting can also lead to quicker depletion.  With thyroid problems the vitamin d is usually low as well.  Good luck~

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Numbness could be due to multiple causes. Some causes can be nutritional (such as a vitamin deficiency) or autoimmune (such as Lupus or Sjogrens) or toxins (lead) to name a few.

One major cause of whole body numbness is related to emotional/psychiatric problems related to stress. These are true medical conditions whereby instead of a patient experiencing depression or anxiety, they experience physical symptoms, and once the stress is addressed, the symptoms resolve. Fibromyalagia is another medical condition that leads to whole body pains, and is best treated with medications such as lyrica and neurontin, exercise, and physical therapy.

Since the numbness/sensory changes travel, you may want to be evaluated for migraines with aura or seizure. This will require an evaluation by a neurologist and having an EEG. But if the numbness is constant, I would think less likely of these causes. Also, strokes in the thalamus can cause sensory changes, but it is reassuring you have had an MRI of the brain.

You should continue working with your physician regarding this. You need to continue working with your local neurologist to ensure that numbness is the only deficit you have. I know you mentioned you have a normal MRI, but I would ensure that the neurologist views the images. One condition that can cause sensory changes is multiple sclerosis, which the MRI would indicate. The workup for this may include a lumbar puncture.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.