What is wrong with me? Weakness in limbs and head tension.

[paity123]

I didn't know where to post this issue, so I just posted here.

So lately I've been having an array of weird symptoms. It started almost 2 weeks ago when I had extreme anxiety over things in my life. I had a constant bad stomach and I couldn't eat for days. It was so bad that I thought I give my self a stomach ulcer. Any way, I woke up one day still anxious, then I noticed a weird head sensation at the front part of my head. It was not what you would call throbbing and painful, but it was effecting my speech, concentration, and ability to read (understand the sentence). It gave me the urge to close my eyes for some reason, similar to when you leave your eyes open without blinking and you need to shut them. It was intense pressure in my head. With this I got a weakness in my arms, and legs. This would all cause even more anxiety. As of now, I have a weak right arm and hand more than anything else. This is persistent and lasts the whole day. Keep note that I am constantly anxious the whole day but now about these existing symptoms more than anything else. I have noticed that when I have bad anxiety spells during the day, the weakness worsens. When I am relaxed, the symptoms back off some what. My head feels less tight and I am at ease. But this only lasts for a few minutes. I am worried in case this is a serious disease that causes weakness and head tension. By weakness I mean difficulty gripping and lifting objects. I also get short spells of dull aches in my hands, arms, legs and feet. But I find it strange that it all came on after a bad anxiety spell. The worst I've had. Could this all be linked with anxiety? The anxiety has been ongoing throughout the duration of these symptoms. I have also lost a lot of weight over it too. And I'm skinny anyway so that's not good. I'm really scared about this. Any thoughts? Thanks for listening.

[Salisburyshan]

Hi! I'm a young female who has experienced all of this as well (I too have severe anxiety- alongside panic disorder), and I would greatly appreciate any answers as to what could be causing these symptoms! I'm terrified u have an autoimmune disease

[paity123]

Thanks for the reply. It has continued since and now I'm getting muscle atrophy in hands and arms. My arms and legs feel heavy but I think it's perceived weakness since I could still run if I had to even though my legs feel heavy and weak. The Atrophy is worrying me and I'm getting a rheumatoid dull ache in my wrist, hands, feet, knees, elbows, thighs and calves. I have seen a doctor about these symptoms and had a blood test that came back healthy. She said it was stress related and if I had a serious disease like MS or ALS, my blood test would indicate inflammation. Those diseases are not diagnosed with a blood test alone, but it still could indicate things like those mentioned conditions. I also have shortness of breath at times. Only problem is what is causing this? could it really be anxiety? My head pains and tension has died down by the way. But I am still really worried about it being a bad neurological disease. Also may I ask if you know the best way to treat muscle atrophy and restore muscles to the way they once were? And can you have perceived weakness and muscle atrophy? Because I can still manage every day tasks. I just feel weaker especially when I think about it. I also read that to have real weakness and notice it, you have to have lost 60% of your muscle power. All I know is that I can still physically lift things and they feel the same weight even though it will cause muscle ache and fatigue. By the way, my anxiety has been very extreme too. The worst spell I have ever had by a long shot.

[Cathleen Zoretic, RN]

Thanks for using the forum.

If you are experiencing weakness and head pain, I strongly recommend that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Your discomfort may be due to anxiety, but it may be due to more serious causes and you need to have it checked out as soon as possible.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

Cathy