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What Causes Numbness In Toes In An Elderly Person With COPD?

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Posted on Thu, 7 Jan 2016
Question: My toes have been getting more numb for several years and now my toenails are turning black. What could be the cause? I am not diabetic. I am 80 years old. I have COPD and Bronchiestasis. Otherwise, in pretty good health.
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Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Neuropathy/Tonsillar infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Bettedaniel,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query.

In the background of bronchiectasis,black tonsils appear to be due to some Tonsillar infectious etiology.You must get them examined by an ENT specialist.

Further, numb toes is likely to be early stage of peripheral neuropathy. In the present setting,drug induced neuropathy can be a reasonable consideration.Please tell the details of what all medicines you are on?

Mentioning of other causes-
Further,Is there a history of chronic alcohol intake?
Any other medical history,except COPD with Bronchiectasis, as mentioned?(Diabetes,an important cause is already ruled out,as you mentioned in history).

Besides,Nerve conduction studies may be done to look for the evidence of neuropathy.

I shall be glad to have you in follow-up with details.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ajay Panwar

Neurologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1827 Questions

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What Causes Numbness In Toes In An Elderly Person With COPD?

Brief Answer: Neuropathy/Tonsillar infection. Detailed Answer: Hi Bettedaniel, Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com. I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query. In the background of bronchiectasis,black tonsils appear to be due to some Tonsillar infectious etiology.You must get them examined by an ENT specialist. Further, numb toes is likely to be early stage of peripheral neuropathy. In the present setting,drug induced neuropathy can be a reasonable consideration.Please tell the details of what all medicines you are on? Mentioning of other causes- Further,Is there a history of chronic alcohol intake? Any other medical history,except COPD with Bronchiectasis, as mentioned?(Diabetes,an important cause is already ruled out,as you mentioned in history). Besides,Nerve conduction studies may be done to look for the evidence of neuropathy. I shall be glad to have you in follow-up with details. Regards Dr.Ajay Panwar, MD,DM(Neurology)