Numbness in left side of body

[HandfulofThumbs]

I am 19 years old and I have been experiencing shocking bursts of numbness in my left leg. The numbness suddenly and unexpectedly hits my leg like an electrical shock, from hip to toes. It is so sudden, most of the time it is accompanied by panic and terror, for I lose all feeling in my leg: It does not feel like I have a leg at all when this happens. Sometimes my only my left foot goes numb: a dull aching numbness.

Originally, this would happen once or twice in a week. however, it has become more frequent. It now happens several times a day and the numbness or "shock" lasts longer...for 15 to 20 seconds.

I have also started to experience numbness in my left arm, from the shoulder to the tips of my fingers. Unlike the numbness in my leg, it starts out as a dull progressive numbness and spreads throughout. My arm feels heavy and my fingertips are cold.

At times, I will be eating something and it will suddenly start tasting like a chemical (almost like the taste of a cleaning product or the such. I've never tasted cleaning products but i imagine they taste that way).

[Dar584]

I think you should see your dr. soon.  While this could be something to do with your spine I would be more concerned with another neurological problem.  Your dr. needs to examine you and sort this out.  But the fact that you describe the funny taste in your mouth also along with these sudden numbness I would be concerned about other neurological problems including having a CT or MRI of your brain to be safe.  Good luck.

[HandfulofThumbs]

Thank you very much. This helped me very much. I will see my doctor

[PaulMD]

Hi there!

From what you are describing I think that you may have a spine problem.  These shocks and numbness may be brought about by nerve impingement (impinged by a defective bone or ligament).  Have a consult with an orthopedic surgeon or a neurologist.  He may be able to pinpoint the problem and think of other causes one he has assessed you. He may request other tests such as MRI to accurately assess your spine.  Hope this helps.

Regards.