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What Causes Tingling Numbness Starting From Legs, Radiating Throughout Body?

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Posted on Wed, 5 Nov 2014
Question: Husband (82) has at least 1-spell every day, tingling numbness starts in left foot then other foot, moves up the entire body to his head then starts back down. Has runny nose, drools a little. The incident lasts about 1-2 minutes. Neurologist and primary Dr. has no idea what it is. This has gone on for over a year. Can't sleep at night at all. He is exhausted and very depressed. Says he can't go on like this. What can cause this and what can be done to stop the spells. Has had x-ray of back and an EEG of brain. Need help desperately.
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Answered by Dr. Sabyasachi Das (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Phenytoin sodium is the problem or Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there, sorry to know about the problem your husband is facing for one year. There may be a variety of causes for the problem particularly in old ages. But I think the numbness tingling sensation that he is having is a side effect of phenytoin sodium. I would suggest you to consult your doctor and ask him to gradually shift him from phenytoin to other newer anticonvulsants with lesser side effects. Please do not stop the drug suddenly by yourself as that will cause more problem. Phenytoin has to be gradually tapered off and other drug has to be gradually build up. Once phenytoin is omitted for 15 days the symptoms may decrease considerably.
I also suggest you get Vitamin B12 test done. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause numbness and tingling.
Hope this answer satisfies your queries and would be happy to answer any further queries.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
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Dr. Sabyasachi Das

Pediatrician, Neonatology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 216 Questions

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What Causes Tingling Numbness Starting From Legs, Radiating Throughout Body?

Brief Answer: Phenytoin sodium is the problem or Vitamin B12 deficiency. Detailed Answer: Hi there, sorry to know about the problem your husband is facing for one year. There may be a variety of causes for the problem particularly in old ages. But I think the numbness tingling sensation that he is having is a side effect of phenytoin sodium. I would suggest you to consult your doctor and ask him to gradually shift him from phenytoin to other newer anticonvulsants with lesser side effects. Please do not stop the drug suddenly by yourself as that will cause more problem. Phenytoin has to be gradually tapered off and other drug has to be gradually build up. Once phenytoin is omitted for 15 days the symptoms may decrease considerably. I also suggest you get Vitamin B12 test done. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause numbness and tingling. Hope this answer satisfies your queries and would be happy to answer any further queries.