What causes numbness with pins and needle sensation on feet and hand?

Posted on Mon, 7 Jul 2014

Question: Hi,
I am a male, 41 yrs old, have a bad back (bulged discs in the lumbar region) am currently having some scans by specialist as MRI was inconclusive. I sometimes get shooting pains down my leg from the back pain. Now I don't have a shooting pain, I have a numbness/pins & needles feeling in my left foot, & pins and needles in my left hand. This is the first time this has happened, doesn't feel like the usual sciatic pain. What could this be?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Want to know little detail about your illness.

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir,
I have read your case. I want to know little detail about your illness before I advise you.
1. Since when you are having this problem?
2. Are you having diabetes or any other medical illness?
3. Have you done any blood test like serum B 12 estimation?
Please send me answers of these questions. Also If possible MRI. I will try my best to help you. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (30 minutes later)

1. Had the numbness for a couple days, progressively getting worse.
2. No diabetes
3. Had a general blood test 2 months ago checking most things - all was ok

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would suggest you to get B 12 estimation

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
After reading your answers, I came to conclusion that you might be having a polyneuropathy. I would suggest you to get serum B 12 estimation. This is common cause of neuropathy.
Also I forget to ask if you take alcohol . As it can also cause such symptoms.
Send me report of serum B 12.
Let me know if you want to ask any other questions. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T