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Tingling/numbness -Negative MRI

I have had tingling/numbness in my arms/legs for 3 months. ARMS significantly worse than feet and SIGNIFICANTLY worse at night. I wake up with my arms "asleep" I have tingling/burning in hands and electric shock feelings in feet.  Eye exam- normal.  Negative brain MRI, Negative EMG testing that was completed on the right arm. Cervical spine MRI in 2 weeks. Neurologist states,"if it is not this-then it is not a nerve problem."

I am very frustrated to find a diagnosis.  I have been under much chronic stress for 2 years- husband deployed in combat-death of friends-new job- relocation.  I can totally accept the diagnosis of anxiety, if that is truly what it is.  However, can ANXIETY truly cause these symptoms?  They are present everyday.

2002- Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis (somewhere between T-2 and T-4)  Surgeon has said that the nerves have regenerated based on return of the sweating.  He is unsure if it is possible that the regeneration of nerves could be pressing on another nerve to cause the tingling/numbness.  What is your opinion?

So, my questions are- can anxiety cause these physical symptoms and do you think it is possible that the nerve regeneration could result in these type of symptoms?

Thank you so much for your time!
Auburn


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Avatar universal
Hi,

I am experiencing tingling, numbness in feet and hands from last 3 weeks. They are worse at after I lie down to sleep and before I get out of the bed. I am taking vitamin B12 and folate. But I am feeling mild nausea. I am not sure if it is because of the vitamins. anyone else feeling that way? Due to stomach flue I had stopped these vitamins since I wasnt eating anything and the symptoms that had subsided started again and now they are there.
At times I have also felt tingling in my upper head/brain? and tip of tongue - making me think it is there at all the tips of my body... does it have to mean anything?? I dont know..
I am also doing some light exercises like moving the feet clockwise and anticlockwise, stretching toes back and forth, massaging my feet - seem to help a bit.
The symptoms just don't seem to go away and what about the confused mind?! hmm
I have an MRI scheduled soon.
After reading through all posts, I thought of adding in mine.

Thank you.


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Avatar universal
I picked up a new symptom which is really hard to describe.  It is the right leg, which has generally "felt" worse than the right.  It is like a buzzing, twitching feeling real deep inside and very subtle.  It generally runs down the leg.

I had my LP Thursday and will have several more tests this week (VEP, SSEP and EMG) and I see the neuro on Thursday.  I am hoping he has all the results because this is getting scary.  Honestly I'd rather know and deal with something than know nothing.

I'm in Michigan and my test at least the first ones were "emergent" because of the onset.  Now they are getting me in when they can.  My first appointment was the Wednesday before Easter.  So I guess it isn't taking too long.  I'll keep you posted.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
to snichols:
wow - sounds like we are in similar boats to be sure...
my nerve sensitivity test revealed little, still waiting on MRI (not sure where u are but here  in ontario canada it takes a min. of 3 months to get an appt. if u are not an in patient in hospital...
my bloodwork and nerve test left nothing to go on so hope the MRI reveals something tangible.
i - like u sometimes feel its all but gone away and then realize I've just gotten used to things, with it having gone on almost 2 months now. Feet are definitely still the most noticeable. The numbness is still detectable in bum and thighs but I feel not quite as bad.
I truly hope you have some answers soon and that the symptoms soon diminish.
Best of luck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Wow, its great to see I am not alone.  I relate most to HOWTODEAL.  About 3 to 4 weeks ago I started with numbness in my perineal area (girl parts and inner thighs) then it went into my buttock and when it got to my heels I realized it was all the way down both legs.  4 MRI's 2 evoked potentials and I still know nothing (other than I have degenerative disc changes in my cervical spine).  Tomorrow I undergo a lumbar puncture, next week 2 more evoked potentials and an EMG.

I can sorta feel but not all the way.  The scariest part is I am getting used to it.  Sometimes I think it is gone, but it never really seems to leave the feet.  Also scary is the fact that I cannot feel inside my lower back, i.e. when I had a massage or when I bend or twist.  I don't feel any muscle tension or streching.

I saw a urologist Monday because I can't tell when I have to go, and if I can it generally appears as though I've waited too long.  I fear I am not completely emptying my bladder.  He recommended two more tests (kidney ultra sound and UROD).

Has anyone, especially howtodeal, found any answers?

With regard to the stress angle, I have never felt more balance in my life.  I have a history of anxiety and depression but take Wellbutrin and Lexapro and see a therapist regularly.
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Avatar universal
I have read the forum and I too have tingling, numbness, burning that started out in hands and feet now however it has spread up to elbows  and into right shoulder as of tonite. I have had extreme stress for past 2-3 years with job, being a single parent, and recently flew up to Me. to be with sick dad. I will probably go get all the tests to rule out stuff. I have had anxiety attacks in past with heart palpatations but never and tingling numbness in hands and feet before. What I am concerned about it has been constant for past week.Worse at nite. I had extreme lower back pain a week ago also. I could not even drive. My back has been out off and on for past 20 years however, but never as bad as it was last week. I am seeing a chiropractor. and he is helping. A message to Manduh(3/22/06)Have you tried getting a lyme disease test. The ringworm rash is a sign of it and tingling and numbness is also a sign. I have read also that lyme disease doesd not necessarily have  rash. so I am getting one next week to rule it out. I also feel like electricity goes off in my back and neck. I have difficult time swallowing at times also. After reading all of you I really think mine is stress.
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Avatar universal
Hi again everyone.  Amazing how many of us have the dreaded tingling/numbness.  I have recently spent endless hours researching the problem and I can't seem to get away from STRESS!!! its just got to be the answer. I have been doing lots of swimming and walking and it seems to have helped a bit, as I have reduced it to one leg these last couple of days. Right now typing this my index finger tip is numb, but this could be the typing (one finger me) now here is something "pineapple" fresh of course not in the tin. Lots of stuff in them for this sort of prob. But above all trying to smile inside just a bit helps. Life is just so b..... stressful and creates so many problems. Cheers to all.
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