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What Causes Headache And Tingling Sensation In The Lips Post CO Exposure?
Question: I work 12 hour swing shifts in a chemical lab and last year they found higher levels of carbon monoxide in my blood. Many people who rode in my car would get headaches and/or be tired often. I got rid of my car and my conditions greatly improved. Some months back my feet would go numb and tingle. Also, my fingertips would tingle and pulsate heavily at times. Within the last 3 months or so I would get very fatigued, headaches all around my head (even the back of my head), and my lips and tongue would tingle and go numb at times. I was diagnosed with some peripheral neuropathy in my right leg and wonder if it may have traveled up to my head? My doctor ordered a brain MRI scan today. I've always been a good athlete and never had any major medical issues until the last year and a half and wonder if it could be linked to the chronic carbon monoxide exposure?
Brief Answer:
Health effects of low dose CO exposure
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for an intriguing question.
I have heard of acute intoxication of Carbon monoxide (CO) and long term effects of accidental poisoning of CO. I have not heard of health effects of low dose or medium dose CO exposure for longer duration in our literature.
When in started searching there were no studies done, one or two cases were presented or written. Although everyone agreed on effects on heart but it was not conclusive. You were giving peripheral nerve involvment which is a new story.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that chronic exposure to CO may produce mild neurological effects. Although there are as yet no conclusive studies showing such a correlation, the evidence in its favour is accumulating.
I think once the source of CO is removed eventual full recovery is expected. It should be the same in your case having changed your car.
All the best.
Health effects of low dose CO exposure
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for an intriguing question.
I have heard of acute intoxication of Carbon monoxide (CO) and long term effects of accidental poisoning of CO. I have not heard of health effects of low dose or medium dose CO exposure for longer duration in our literature.
When in started searching there were no studies done, one or two cases were presented or written. Although everyone agreed on effects on heart but it was not conclusive. You were giving peripheral nerve involvment which is a new story.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that chronic exposure to CO may produce mild neurological effects. Although there are as yet no conclusive studies showing such a correlation, the evidence in its favour is accumulating.
I think once the source of CO is removed eventual full recovery is expected. It should be the same in your case having changed your car.
All the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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