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Buzzing in body, numbness in face and rt. arm.

This started 3 years ago with a strange burning, itching in my hands and feet, it would be intermitent. Then I felt as if it turned into a mild tingle that didn't stop. This past spring I almost feel as if it is as strong as a buzz and now it is throughout my whole body, torso and head along with extremities.
It sometimes lets up and is only a tingle but never stops. A month and a half ago my head and right arm started going numb, but not constantly, for a few it will be numb in one area and then the next thing I know the numbness has "moved" Like the whole front of my face will feel numb and then just my right jaw and the back of my head.Also I keep getting dizzy. It is very frustrating to even try and explain. Also about a week after the numbness started I have developed a whine like sound in my ears, they kind of hum all the time and then sometimes I feel like a ding is happening when my heart beats. I tried to ignore the symptoms for a couple years when it was mild but now it is affecting my life, I have had no life this last month and a half because I won't even drive because I don't want to be out driving and go numb or get dizzy and have an accident with my children in the car. My doctor has done blood test, the only thing that turned up as mild anemia, she prescribed iron. She has sent me for an MRI of my head, it was okay. She is stumped and has given up. She said that she thinks it may be neurological but she isn't sure, she said it could be anything.   Any help you can give would be appreciated!
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Avatar universal
I cannot give you a clinical diagnosis over the internet, and if you have not already seen a neurologist, you should do so

It is difficult to pinpoint your symptoms to one area of the nervous system. You may benefit from an evaluation for a small fibre neuropathy which would include some blood tests like ESR, ANA, diabetes, amyloid, etc, and/or a skin biopsy to look at epidermal nerve fibers.

Pulsating humming in the ears can be from tranmitted noise from turbulent blood flow in blood vessels - it is worth having an (MR) angiogram if you have not already to make sure are no narrowings of the vessels. Alternatively it can be from increased pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid - have your neurologist evaluate for this, look at your fundi (back of the eyes) and maybe a spinal fluid pressure measurement

Good luck
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1609577 tn?1298133760
A related discussion, hot and cold sensations was started.
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A related discussion, diabetes was started.
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Hi gals. i can't believe how unprofessional your docs have been. I too am experiencing the bussing feeling in my back going up to my neck among other symptoms. They are in the process of testing me for MS as all bloodwork has come back neg. Anyway, the reason I am posting is this, my friend (46) was just diagnosed with melanoma that has spread throughout her body. She was seeking help for over a year from her GP (also a woman) for serious unrelenting headaches. Her GP basically had been telling her it is stress and menopause, and tried to send her to a shrink, support groups, and finally at her last visit two days before being hospitalized she told her to pray her head would stop hurting. They found huge areas of melanoma in her brain. She had also had a GYN checkup in a few months ago which was "fine". The cancer had already spread to her ovaries. Anyway, my point is for the ladies to watch out and do your own research and seek out another doctor if they tell you it's all in your head or it is stress induced.
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plv
YOU SOUND LIKE YOUR DIET IS LOADED WITH MSG AND OR ASPARTAME...........READ UP ON THEM AND YOU WILL SEE THE LIGHT
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Avatar universal
I can't believe the doc did that to you...but again, yes I can.  My doc told me they had tested my B12 and it was fine.  I asked her to show me the labwork and she did -- no B12.  She was puzzled and finally agreed to test it.  Waiting on that result today.

I wanted to tell you though that you are not alone.  I too have the full body buzzing/vibrating along with a full body tremor and twitches that started 4 weeks ago and has not let up even once.  I also have become numb in spots (left thigh and some toes) and the most alarming symptoms is increasing weakness of my whole body, especially large muscles in my arms and legs.  First they were just a little weak, now they ache and burn and I get such bad cramps from just doing small things.  It's scary and since hte docs here are moving slow, I'm researching where to go for treatment/diagnosis.  I was looking at Mayo, but should I consider Cleveland CLinic for this?  Is there a ranking somewhere of who is best in the neuro specialty?  Mine may have endocrine or reumotology causes at the root, who knows, but I have to start somewhere and I feel like I'm going downhill everyday.  

I think I'll post ot the docs here, too, but I just wanted you to know that I'm here - female age 42 with a one year old baby and I'm scared too.  You're not alone.

Jeanette
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Avatar universal
Oh - you struck a nerve with the Xanax/Anxiety issue.  Yes, three of my docs (2 internists and my neuro) said it was anxiety and put me on Xanax.  It did nothing except help me sleep better at night.  I too am a very low key calm person who has never had a panic attack and never really gets stressed over much.  I don't work, stay home with my adorable 1 yr old and spend alot of time out with friends, playgroups, shopping.  It's a good life and I have no reason to be stessed.  My marriage is also in great shape.  So, I challened them on the anxiety question and they said all patients deny feeling anxiety.  But, I said, my body has been buzzing with an adrenalin rush for weeks on end without a stop.  Anxiety research shows that anxiety doesnt' stay constant like that.  It comes and goes and wanes with events/moods.  The neuro even refused to do further testing after a clear brain MRI and sent me to a psychiatrist who specializes in neuro patients. I was so ticked he did that.  I walked out saying I woudn't go, but I did decide to go to "prove" I'm not just anxious - I'm sick.  Guess what?  The psych said I have no anxiety disorder or depression and is convinced soemthing is wrong.  I mean, does stress cause numb spots and muscle weakness that's noticeable?  No.  And the psych agreed.  He felt the neuro didn't do his job and is sending me back to him on MOnday with a letter saying he failed to complete my work up.  Then, I'm planning to go get a second opinion right away at either Mayo or local here in Chicago at U of Chicago or RUsh.  Both have good MS programs.

I can't believe how many of these docs just push us off with anxiety drugs saying that's all that's wrong.  Meanwhile, my body is deteriating at an alarming rate and I'm concerned I won't get the functioning back.  Scary.

God Bless too and keep the faith.  Let me know how things go.  I'll do the same.

Jeanette
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Avatar universal
Well it seems that I am not alone and that in itself makes me feel a bit better! I know that doctors are not God and they can not know everything but it is so frustrating to try and tell someone of your "strange" symptoms and to try and get them to understand. My doctors final thought is to take Xanax because it must be anxiety. My thought is that she doesn't know me because I am probably one of the least stresssed people on this earth..lol.. (Other than from what is ailing me) I do not work, I have no money worries, I go to the YMCA and swim for a few hours a day a few times a week, I do lunches out with friends, go to the movies and type thing, I just know that I have a good normal life and I do not believe that is is anxiety giving me a carbon dixoide buzz!! I know that I do not need Xanax. I will plug away until I find out the cause! My advice to anyone else on here is to keep pushing til someone either believes you or understands and help you!! God Bless!!
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Avatar universal
My doctors medical assistant said that my B-12 was fine, However I just drove and picked up my blood test results and there was no B-12 test done!! I see one here that pertains to iron levels and it is one called Ferritin.....mine is at a  3.4 and it says that normal should be 11.0 to 306.8
I actually called the lab in California where the blood was sent and ask them if the B-12 test could be under another name and they said no.
My doctor is fed up with me whining about how my body buzzes and how my face and toes are numb, how I have roaring in my ears. She thinks it is all nerves and wants me to eat xanax, I am NOT a nervous person having what she says must be anxiety related symptoms. I am very disappointed that they lied and told me that my B-12 was fine and not to worry about it. My doctor and her medical assistant are on vacation this week, the secretary is the one who printed out all of my lab results...I can't wait til Monday when they are back in the office!! What is a person wo do when you are treated this way by a doctor?? You might think... find another doctor but this is the third that I have tried since these symptoms started.
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Avatar universal
I have been dealing with B12 issues for about 10 years.  Prior to that, it was thought I had MS.

Try and get B12 number from Dr. and the range for where you were tested. For years, my level was about 1000 and now it has been in the low 200.  I think it should be higher but he says normal is normal no matter where in the range you are.

If you have B12 deficiency due to malabsorption, the oral dose won't help.  In order for B12 to get into your system if that is the case, you will need injections (a lot easier to treat than other illnesses.  Find out as much as you can about B12 because unfortunately many Dr.s don't now alot about it.

Anyway, hope this helps you learn more about B12.
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Avatar universal
I understand! I posted something yesterday, no one has said much, but I too have the burning and numbness. Most of mine is in my middle back up through my face as high as my eye brows, and is accompanied by stabbing pains.

I have been told I have possible MS, but now told today to go to a teaching hospital as they can't figure out what is causing it. So I have decided to travel to wherever necessary to get relief.

I was hoping for a response from Cleveland Clinic as they have such amazing knowledge in MS and all neuro illness, but I guess I have to be patient. (Something that is very challanging for me)

I am sorry I don't have better advice. Xanax has helped me during my flare ups, to at least keep me calm, and in some cases I think even pass them faster. But, other than that, all I can say is you are not alone. (I also have lost all feeling from chest down- so I do understand the fear there as well) please keep your chin up, and keep us posted on here with updates.
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Avatar universal
Sorry, I forgot to mention that sometimes when I get up to walk I go numb from the waste down, it is almost like a burning hot numbness. I stop when this happens so that I don't fall and then it finally passes and then I move on. Thanks!
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the reply... and yes she did check that also. It came back "normal" However she told me to start on 1000 mg of B-12 a day just to be sure because sometimes "normal" isn't the same in everyone.
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Avatar universal
I hope especially since you are mildly anemic, that your doctor has test you for a low b12 level.  This can cause neurological symptoms too.
good luck!
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