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Strange Tingling Sensation Following a Stomach Virus

6/15/2025, 2:30:31 PMMale25-34

I (female, 18) experienced a severe illness a few days back that left me unable to get out of bed. I was constantly vomiting, to the point where I was just dry heaving and unable to keep anything down. The cause of this sick spell remains a mystery to me, but thankfully, it lasted only a couple of days. During that time, I was so ill that I would throw up violently, causing me to feel dizzy and notice a tingling sensation in my arms as I clutched my trash can. Now that several days have passed, I feel much better, but I am still experiencing an unusual tingling in my forearms and wrists, reminiscent of the weird sensations I felt while I was unwell. I have a condition known as POTS, which often results in tingling in my legs and hands due to blood pooling, yet this sensation seems distinct from that. Does anyone have any insights on this?

FibromyalgiaCrohn's DiseaseEndocrinology

Answers (1)

Cony

6/15/2025, 2:30:46 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve gone through a challenging few days with your illness, and it’s good to hear that you’re feeling better overall. The tingling sensation in your forearms and wrists after such an intense episode can be concerning, especially considering your existing condition of POTS.

Main Points:

  1. Tingling could be related to your recent illness.
  2. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance might contribute to the sensation.
  3. Monitor your symptoms and consider some self-care strategies.

Explanation:

The nausea and vomiting you experienced can lead to dehydration and imbalances in electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) in your body, which can cause sensations like tingling or numbness. For someone with POTS, these symptoms can also be more pronounced due to how the condition affects blood flow and circulation.

Additionally, when you were clenching your arms while feeling unwell, it’s possible that physical strain or prolonged positioning could have contributed to nerve or blood flow issues, even temporarily.

Next Steps:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate. If you can, include drinks that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions.

  2. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of when you notice the tingling, how intense it is, and if any other symptoms occur. This information can be helpful in determining patterns or triggers.

  3. Gentle Movement: As you continue to recover, try engaging in light stretching or mobility exercises. This can help improve circulation and reduce any lingering discomfort.

  4. Rest and Recovery: Ensure you’re getting enough rest and allowing your body to recuperate fully. Sometimes, lingering sensations can take time to resolve.

  5. Consult if Worsening: If the tingling worsens, spreads, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like weakness, difficulty moving, or changes in sensation, it would be wise to seek medical advice.

Take care of yourself, and remember that recovery from a virus can take time. If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask!

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