Entire leg numbness

[Jldunn73]

Hey, random question about MS for u-
If/when your legs started to really give you issues in the beginning did this happen at all....
My hands and feet have been numb for months, varying degrees of pain from day to day and even throughout the day. 3 days ago, I went on a day trip and again my feet and hands were numb. I was walking and all of a sudden my entire left leg went so numb I stumbled and the numbing pain lasted quite awhile. I was able to walk after a few minutes but it remained numb about an hour like that. Since then, 3x it's happened but I only stumbled 1x because I was walking at that moment. I have an appt in 2 weeks to talk to my Dr, I'm wondering if my gallbladder surgery in May also triggered my MS symptoms into hyper drive as well as other issues it has flared up.

[BOK2Bjan]

Hi - do you have MS? Or are you concerned due to these symptoms? Sounds frightening for sure.

While numbness is indeed a symptom experienced with MS - I haven't heard of such sudden, temporary numbness as you describe. There are circulatory conditions, and nerve impingement issues that can cause what you describe. It's certainly something you should tell your physician about. Be sure to make note of when these symptoms occur, what you were doing at the time, and what made it better.

I have had episodes of numbness which resolved over time. And now have progressive numbness in my right leg and foot, which is creating difficulty walking. It's not resolving though - however does vary in degree throughout the day. The symmetrical distribution you describe in the initial numbness of both hands certainly sounds more like nerve impingement - like a thoracic outlet syndrome. But I can't begin to diagnose your symptoms - just a suggestion.

I wish you well - let us know if you find out what's going on. Blessings, Jan

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome,

It's possible what you've been experiencing is the Uhthoff's phenomenon, which is the temporary worsening of neurological symptoms when the body gets overheated from hot weather, exercise, fever, hot showers, baths, saunas, hot tubs etc pwMS only need their core temp to rise as little as <1% before their issues can start playing up.

If it is Uhthoff's the tip or tricks to try are to do with keeping your self cool, resting and working out your activity tipping point, so you don't accidentally keep over doing it and paying the price...

Hope that helps....JJ