Experiencing Increased Numbness and Tingling in Right Leg
I’m a 29-year-old female, and earlier this week, I noticed a tingling sensation in my right ankle, which I initially dismissed. However, just a few days later, the discomfort escalated to numbness in my entire right leg and foot, significantly affecting my balance. I visited an urgent care facility yesterday, but unfortunately, they lacked the necessary equipment for a thorough assessment. I then went to the emergency room, where the attending physician also could not provide a definitive answer but suggested that it might be multiple sclerosis (MS), although he admitted he couldn’t be certain due to insufficient diagnostic resources. My primary care physician (PCP) is fully booked until September. In response, he referred me to another PCP, but despite leaving two voicemails, I have not received any response yet. I have managed to secure an appointment with a neurologist on August 3rd, yet the thought of waiting that long is concerning as my situation appears to be deteriorating. I have another appointment scheduled with a different PCP for this upcoming Monday, but it still feels like an eternity. Tonight, I am experiencing severe aches in my left leg and left arm, along with tingling sensations in my toes. My grip strength in both hands seems compromised, and my right leg and foot remain extensively numb. As I write this, my feet are also feeling tingling, akin to pins and needles. Should I consider visiting another emergency room? The one I previously attended was a smaller St. Luke's facility and not particularly busy during my visit. I am genuinely concerned and feel a pressing need for a diagnosis. Although I am uncertain if it’s MS or another condition, this isn’t a typical experience for me. Any advice on the seriousness of my symptoms and whether I should seek immediate care tonight would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 1:50:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandably concerning to experience increasing numbness and tingling in your leg, especially with additional symptoms affecting your left leg and arm. The urgency your situation has created is completely valid. Central to addressing your worries is identifying the seriousness of your symptoms and determining the next steps.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms, which include numbness, tingling, and weakness in both legs and arms, can suggest a medical issue that needs timely attention.
- While conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) might be considered, multiple other possible causes exist, such as nerve compression, circulatory issues, or other neurological conditions.
Explanation: Numbness and tingling can arise from various sources, ranging from simple nerve compression (like a herniated disc) to neurological disorders. Given that you are experiencing new and escalating symptoms, including severe pain and compromised grip strength, it's crucial to rule out serious conditions that may need immediate treatment.
Next Steps:
-
Consider Visiting Emergency Care Again: Given your deteriorating state and severe symptoms (especially with bladder or bowel control issues, severe headaches, or any new changes in consciousness), it's advisable to seek immediate evaluation at an emergency room. Explain your full range of symptoms and stress the urgency due to recent changes.
-
Document Your Symptoms: If possible, keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any triggers. This information will be valuable for healthcare providers in understanding your condition.
-
Stay Comfortable and Safe: Until your appointment, take precautions to minimize falls or injury, especially given your balance concerns. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel unstable.
-
Reach Out to Any Neurology Office Again: If there's an urgency about your neurologist appointment, see if you can reach them to explain the situation; they might offer guidance or an earlier slot.
-
Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it’s normal to worry about potential diagnoses like MS, focusing on managing your current symptoms and ensuring safety is more essential right now.
It's vital to prioritize your health and seek assistance whenever you feel your condition is worsening. Your well-being is the most important factor, and seeking care is certainly warranted given your symptoms.
Related Questions
Concerns Regarding Granulocyte Levels and Joint Pain
I’m a woman in my thirties who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes. Recently, I’ve been experiencing persistent pain in my joints, discomfort in my long bones, and a general feeling of fatigue. During a recent visit to urgent care, a complete blood count (CBC) revealed that my immature granulocyte (IG) levels were at 0.4. Additionally, my platelet count was elevated, and my mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was low. I haven’t had any illnesses, such as a cold, that could explain this inflammation. Since my previous primary care physician has left their practice, I’m hesitant to return to urgent care. I would like to know how concerning my results should be and what specific issues I should discuss with my new primary care provider, especially considering that I’m dealing with daily pain.
Concern About a Lump
At 17 years old and designated female at birth, I've been diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma, although I suspect this might not be accurate since my rescue inhaler hasn't provided any relief. For over two months now, I've been experiencing some heart-related issues, with my symptoms becoming increasingly severe. Previously, I was prescribed atomoxetine (60mg daily) and melatonin (5mg nightly), but my primary care physician suggested I discontinue these medications several weeks ago to eliminate them as potential contributors to my new symptoms. I'm still using my albuterol inhaler (90mg as necessary), but I haven’t had to use it for a few months now. I recognize that all of this may not be particularly relevant, but it helps provide context. It’s currently very late—around 2 AM—as I'm writing this, on a note regarding something I noticed yesterday afternoon. I discovered what appears to be a lump on my chin. Initially, I brushed it off, thinking it might just be the beginning of an acne breakout. However, I'm second-guessing that assumption now. At first, it felt warm and tender, but it seems to have grown larger, turned red, and become increasingly painful. Perhaps I'm imagining its growth, but even a friend remarked that it seemed to be getting bigger. The lump feels somewhat firm, although it does shift if I touch it. I plan to include a picture in the comments for reference. I already have a follow-up appointment scheduled for Thursday regarding my heart concerns, and I’m considering mentioning this lump if it’s still present by that time. What do you think?
Persistent Discomfort in the Chest
I am a 15-year-old female, standing at 5'5" and weighing 105 pounds. I don't engage in smoking, drinking, or using any kind of substances. For about four years now, I have been experiencing discomfort in my chest, located directly over my heart area. The pain is sharp, and it tends to intensify whenever I move my chest in a particular manner or when I lay down. Typically, this sensation lasts for approximately 30 seconds, and I have not noticed any accompanying symptoms. On average, it occurs once or twice weekly. I've consulted with several different doctors during this time, and they have conducted an EKG which showed normal and even outstanding results. Consequently, I chose to overlook it, assuming it wasn’t a matter of significant concern. However, at this moment, the pain persists and has now lasted for over an hour. It flares up whenever I move in certain ways or take a deep breath. This ongoing discomfort is beginning to cause me some anxiety, particularly affecting my ability to sleep. Could anyone shed some light on what might be causing this? Should I be worried? Thank you!
Strange Episodes of Dizziness: Seeking Insight
I'm a 19-year-old male, standing at 195 cm and weighing 85 kg, and I've been experiencing some peculiar episodes of dizziness. This began approximately two months ago while I was playing basketball; suddenly, I felt a wave of dizziness. The day following that incident, I noticed that each time I took a walk for a whole week, everything felt skewed, as if my vision was being pulled downward or that the environment was collapsing around me. Fast-forward to today, and while the intensity of these episodes has considerably diminished, I still don’t feel like my usual self. I have since begun taking sertraline, believing my anxiety might be the root cause of this dizziness. The nature of my symptoms has shifted; it now feels like a sort of non-spinning vertigo in my head while I’m walking, with a strong visual sensation of being drawn towards the ground. Additionally, a few weeks ago, I noted that my head felt oddly positioned forward, even though I was gazing straight ahead. I consulted with an optometrist, who assured me that my eyesight wasn’t to blame, and I saw a general practitioner who conducted basic tests, including blood work, which all yielded normal results. I find myself pondering whether this might be a vestibular issue that requires the expertise of an ENT specialist. Although the situation has improved significantly since two months ago when I struggled to walk for even two minutes without nearly losing my balance, I still don’t feel as normal as I once did. The sensation I’m experiencing is reminiscent of the adjustment period one goes through when acquiring a new pair of glasses. Any insight or guidance on what I should consider next would be greatly valued.
Understanding Persistent Reactive Syphilis Results Despite Previous Negatives
I’m a 29-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 71 kilograms. As a non-smoker and currently eight months pregnant, I have no history of syphilis symptoms nor any autoimmune disorders. In terms of sexual history, I have had three partners throughout my life, with my current relationship lasting five years. In a regrettable instance prior to meeting my partner, I engaged in unprotected sex just once, which led to a positive chlamydia test that was promptly treated. Before that, I was in a three-year relationship during which I regularly donated blood without any issues regarding test results. About five years ago, my partner and I donated blood together, and my syphilis test returned inconclusive, while his was clear. We were recommended to visit a sexual health clinic, where subsequent tests confirmed that both of us were free from sexually transmitted infections. However, a year later, when I had additional blood tests for health monitoring, the results indicated a reactive syphilis result from my general practitioner. Further testing again confirmed negative results. Fast forward to this year—now pregnant—I received another reactive VDRL result. Upon retesting, the result was again reactive, which I believe was another VDRL test. Notably, the first time I had a reactive result coincided with receiving a COVID vaccine, and this latest occurrence aligns with having received a whooping cough vaccine three weeks before the blood draw. I plan on requesting further testing regarding the recent VDRL to confirm a negative outcome; however, my midwife appears unconcerned about the results. Is there anyone who might shed light on why I repeatedly receive reactive syphilis results? In summary, I have experienced intermittent reactive syphilis results over the last five years, typically concluding with negative outcomes, though the most recent result has been reactive once more.