Numbness in Face and Arm
A 24-year-old female without any notable medical history, medications, or substance use, aside from vaping with 10MG Nic salts from a mod, has experienced persistent numbness in her left arm and facial area for the past few years. Despite being repeatedly told that it was merely anxiety, she felt compelled to remain silent about her situation, particularly as a young woman. Recently, however, she received serious attention from a cardiologist who performed a 24-hour Holter monitor test and an echocardiogram, both of which returned normal results. A tilt table test is scheduled for April. In the past week, the numbness has intensified, extending sensations of tingling down to her leg. There's no observable droop and while she still retains sensation, everything feels ‘off’; it’s akin to a type of weakness, even though her strength appears to be intact. Notably, this feeling is isolated to her left side and has never affected the right. Due to a range of symptoms arising since her first encounter with COVID-19 in 2022, she has been referred to a long COVID clinic. Her symptoms include: - Heart palpitations - Premature ventricular contractions (PVC) and premature atrial contractions (PAC) - Rapid heartbeat post meals, which significantly discourages her from eating - Frequent headaches, including migraines - A new requirement for glasses - Digestive problems, alternating between constipation and frequent bowel movements - Indigestion - Shortness of breath experienced in her abdomen, yet with oxygen levels consistently over 97% - Both pulsatile and regular tinnitus - Illnesses that seem to last for a month rather than the usual short duration Feeling overwhelmed, her most significant concern remains the numbness, especially given her maternal grandmother’s history with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and ischemic strokes. At just 24 years old, she finds it increasingly challenging to cope and is uncertain about whom to approach for help regarding her symptoms. Her last blood work was on February 12, with a follow-up test in ten days due to an elevated white blood cell count (11.2). Additional tests will include vitamin levels and thyroid function. What might be causing these issues? Could they all stem from anxiety? For the record, she has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) centered around health concerns. Yet, her current feelings are more of frustration than anxiety. She has lost significant weight, dropping from 71 KG to 57 KG, leaving her in a state of distress.
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 11:51:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex set of symptoms that are understandably distressing. The persistent numbness in your arm and face, coupled with your anxiety and physical health symptoms, is understandably concerning, particularly given your family history. While anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms, the specific and localized numbness you describe warrants further investigation.
Explanation
The numbness and tingling you're experiencing, especially as it has intensified and spread to your leg, could be caused by various factors. These include:
- Nerve Compression or Irritation: Conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome or cervical radiculopathy can lead to numbness if nerves are compressed.
- Neurological Conditions: While less common, conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) could also present with unilateral numbness.
- Vascular Issues: Given your family history, transient ischemic attacks or strokes could also present this way, but the normal echocardiogram is reassuring.
- Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of certain vitamins, particularly B12, can cause neurological symptoms and might be worth exploring further.
- Anxiety: While anxiety can cause physical symptoms, the impact you're describing seems to go beyond typical anxiety.
Given the range of symptoms and your ongoing health journey, it is essential to continue to seek clarification on the causes of these issues.
Next Steps
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Continue Investigations: Attend your upcoming tilt table test and follow through with additional blood tests, especially for vitamin levels and thyroid function, as they may provide further insights.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any potential triggers or patterns. This could be very helpful for healthcare providers.
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Nerve Health Focus: Consider gentle stretching or exercises, like yoga, that can promote nerve health and circulation but avoid any movements that worsen your symptoms.
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Seek Psychological Support: Given your history with OCD and GAD, engaging with a mental health professional could help you manage the emotional toll of these symptoms and offer coping strategies.
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Nutrition and Hydration: Focus on a balanced diet rich in nutrients, which may help manage physical symptoms and support overall health. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial.
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Emergency Awareness: Be aware of symptoms that necessitate immediate medical attention. These include sudden weakness, drooping on one side of your face, sudden confusion, or severe headaches.
It’s important to advocate for your health and continue discussing your symptoms with your healthcare providers. You deserve thorough care and support as you navigate these challenges.
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