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What Causes Numbness In The Hands And Feet While Lying Down?
Question: Hello,
I have numbness in my hands and feet when I lie down. I don't notice this when I stand up. I have recently had a lot of ENT problems, and took PREVACID and also had a steroid injection for throat issues. I thought maybe the PREVACID was causing the numbness, since it started at the same time. What tests could they do to make sure this wasn't more serious then a drug reaction, or poor circulation? Thanks!
I have numbness in my hands and feet when I lie down. I don't notice this when I stand up. I have recently had a lot of ENT problems, and took PREVACID and also had a steroid injection for throat issues. I thought maybe the PREVACID was causing the numbness, since it started at the same time. What tests could they do to make sure this wasn't more serious then a drug reaction, or poor circulation? Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Nerve conduction studies
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for coming back to HealthcareMagic.
Bilateral numbness in the hands and feet raises concern about involvement of the peripheral nerves, otherwise called peripheral neuropathy which commonly manifests with numbness of the feet and hands.
Now since you inquire about tests, the most appropriate test would be nerve conduction studies which evaluates damage to the nerve. Of course it must be accompanied bu physical exam to look for peripheral nerve involvement signs like lowered reflexes.
Also some blood tests like thyroid function, electrolyte panel (esp calcium, magnesium and potassium), liver or kidney function, vitamin B12 level are indicated.
At times all exams result normal and it might be a symptom of anxiety, however that is considered once the rest has been excluded.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Nerve conduction studies
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for coming back to HealthcareMagic.
Bilateral numbness in the hands and feet raises concern about involvement of the peripheral nerves, otherwise called peripheral neuropathy which commonly manifests with numbness of the feet and hands.
Now since you inquire about tests, the most appropriate test would be nerve conduction studies which evaluates damage to the nerve. Of course it must be accompanied bu physical exam to look for peripheral nerve involvement signs like lowered reflexes.
Also some blood tests like thyroid function, electrolyte panel (esp calcium, magnesium and potassium), liver or kidney function, vitamin B12 level are indicated.
At times all exams result normal and it might be a symptom of anxiety, however that is considered once the rest has been excluded.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Is peripheral neuropathy serious?
The only thing I can think of is that I have been in a seated, lying down position more, because of being ill with throat issues. I have also had my reflexes tested.
I have had a CBC, with thyroid tests all coming out normal.
Also, I have only recently stopped taking PREVACID. I have reduced alot of sugar, and bad foods recently too. Also, the only thing about the CBC, was that I had a low amount of IRON.
Thank you!
The only thing I can think of is that I have been in a seated, lying down position more, because of being ill with throat issues. I have also had my reflexes tested.
I have had a CBC, with thyroid tests all coming out normal.
Also, I have only recently stopped taking PREVACID. I have reduced alot of sugar, and bad foods recently too. Also, the only thing about the CBC, was that I had a low amount of IRON.
Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
If by serious you mean life threatening usually no, only bothering.
However as I said it can have many causes so it depends on the cause as well. It may be related to diabetes, alcohol, nutritional deficiencies, toxic substance exposure, liver and kidney disease, connective tissue disease, hormonal imbalance etc. So the prognosis is related to the cause as well. Actually frustratingly enough in 20% of cases no cause is found even after extensive testing. Prevacid is not a known cause since you seem to be much worried about this drug.
Shouldn't jump to early conclusions though, especially if till now you have no predisposing factors in the tests you have had and neurological exam was normal, the diagnosis of polyneuropathy needs to be confirmed first, as I said anxiety is also a common causing factor of such symptoms.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
If by serious you mean life threatening usually no, only bothering.
However as I said it can have many causes so it depends on the cause as well. It may be related to diabetes, alcohol, nutritional deficiencies, toxic substance exposure, liver and kidney disease, connective tissue disease, hormonal imbalance etc. So the prognosis is related to the cause as well. Actually frustratingly enough in 20% of cases no cause is found even after extensive testing. Prevacid is not a known cause since you seem to be much worried about this drug.
Shouldn't jump to early conclusions though, especially if till now you have no predisposing factors in the tests you have had and neurological exam was normal, the diagnosis of polyneuropathy needs to be confirmed first, as I said anxiety is also a common causing factor of such symptoms.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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