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Can Tingling Sensation Be Caused By Stress?

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Posted on Wed, 6 Jun 2018
Question: I have tingling all over my body, numbness mainly on the left side and a lot of dizziness. Yesterday I started having some nausea. My head feels like its a big glob of mush and sometimes my eyes get really glazed over and watery. My sinuses are on fire and I feel tingling all over my head and behind my left ear that goes down my neck. When I lay down on either side, the tingling goes to whichever side I lay on. I've had an MRI, CT scan, EKG, and blood work done that have all come back normal. I've been under quite a bit of stress for the last month with my mom being diagnosed with brain cancer. Do you know what can be causing all of this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Simply are consistent with stress/anxiety reaction when all tests normal

Detailed Answer:
If you've been seen by a neurologist by these symptoms and have a normal neurological examination supported by normal testing as you stated using imaging studies and EKG then, you are not likely suffering from a neurological or metabolic type of problem in the face of the stress you've described that you are currently undergoing. Sinuses "on fire" may be a sign of overactivation of the TRIGEMINAL nerve since an MRI and CT would've picked up acute sinus congestion. The feelings in the sinus areas are consistent with migraine symptoms and the tingling feelings you mention that radiate are likely part of what can be referred to as a COMPLICATED MIGRAINE brought on by stress and anxiety.

If all of this just recently came on and coincided with your mom becoming ill then, the most likely underlying reason for the symptoms is stress or anxiety. If, however, you've had these symptoms at other times not necessarily linked to the stressful situation you mention or any stress at all then, I would be cautious in advising that you look no further.

And this is why seeing a neurologist with this picture would be the best recourse- especially if these episodes recur or recur more frequently or begin to involve other symptoms such as temporary weakness in the face on the same side as the tingling, or weakness in an arm or leg on the same side as the tingling.

If I've provided useful and helpful information to your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating? Again, many thanks for submitting your inquiry and please let me know how things turn out.

Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others.

This query has utilized a total of 18 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (14 hours later)
The symptoms come and go. For instance yesterday, I barely had any symptoms and yesterday I rested most of the day. This morning I have some but it also depends on which side I sleep on. If I sleep on my left then the symptoms predominantly appear on that side. Also there has been no weakness on either side mainly numbness & tingling. My jaw line & back of my mouth tingles a lot too. I also feel like I’m going to faint or feel lightheaded or dizzy a lot.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (34 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely as stated above

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.

The fact that the symptoms are transient and changing topographically over the body depending upon the side you sleep on, etc. then, the concept of an organic brain, spinal cord, or nerve root lesion of a fixed or metabolic nature is highly unlikely.

What you describe is frequently the manifestation of non-organic causes such as psychological stressors which the body can become gated to even if stressors continue. In other words, it is possible that these symptoms can abate or that the body can attenuate their perception at the conscious level even if the situations which have precipitated them continue.

With respect to lightheadedness and dizziness please make sure you are eating properly, not missing meals, and hydrating with at least 2-3 Liters of WATER and or juice over and above what you normally ingest with meals or in between. Avoid alcoholic or caffeine products as these can contribute to some of the feelings you're describing when taken in excess as well as cause you to lose large quantities of fluid in a short amount of time.

However, in any case, an examination by a neurologist may yield a different perspective in the event he/she were to discover an organic sign of deficit. Then, further studies may be warranted including head imaging studies and/or laboratory testing in serum or urine. But as your symptoms are described at this time I do not believe such an examination would yield anything of significance and I predict that things will get better with time.

I'd invite you to call and schedule an appointment to see me in the office if things don't get better as I predict, however, I notice that are you in the area of XXXXXXX Court House, OHIO which is a bit removed from XXXXXXX ...nevertheless, you are entirely invited to visit our fair town though yours is likely more quaint and "Down Home....." Cheers!

If I've provided useful and helpful information to your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating? Again, many thanks for submitting your inquiry and please let me know how things turn out.

Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others.

This query has utilized a total of 35 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2473 Questions

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Can Tingling Sensation Be Caused By Stress?

Brief Answer: Simply are consistent with stress/anxiety reaction when all tests normal Detailed Answer: If you've been seen by a neurologist by these symptoms and have a normal neurological examination supported by normal testing as you stated using imaging studies and EKG then, you are not likely suffering from a neurological or metabolic type of problem in the face of the stress you've described that you are currently undergoing. Sinuses "on fire" may be a sign of overactivation of the TRIGEMINAL nerve since an MRI and CT would've picked up acute sinus congestion. The feelings in the sinus areas are consistent with migraine symptoms and the tingling feelings you mention that radiate are likely part of what can be referred to as a COMPLICATED MIGRAINE brought on by stress and anxiety. If all of this just recently came on and coincided with your mom becoming ill then, the most likely underlying reason for the symptoms is stress or anxiety. If, however, you've had these symptoms at other times not necessarily linked to the stressful situation you mention or any stress at all then, I would be cautious in advising that you look no further. And this is why seeing a neurologist with this picture would be the best recourse- especially if these episodes recur or recur more frequently or begin to involve other symptoms such as temporary weakness in the face on the same side as the tingling, or weakness in an arm or leg on the same side as the tingling. If I've provided useful and helpful information to your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating? Again, many thanks for submitting your inquiry and please let me know how things turn out. Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others. This query has utilized a total of 18 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.