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What Causes Numbness With Bloating And Pale Discoloured Skin?
Question: A friend has numbness in her arms and legs, bloated tummy, and is pale as a ghost. She is 17 and sometimes gets migraines.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
People who get migraines (I am one too) can also sometimes have autonomic nervous system dysfunction that can cause some of these symptoms.
But given the constellation of symptoms, I think it is wise that she is going into the ER to be examined in person.
In the ER, request specifically for her to be seen by a physician and not by a PA or NP as this requires a higher level of knowledge than their training provides.
What I would do, based on these symptoms is the following:
recent history vitals (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate) - that she is pale, her blood pressure may be low.
Abdominal exam - there may be abnormal bowel sounds or specific localized pain that can give clues neurological exam - including sensation and perception.
Then, a complete blood count (looking for anemia, infection), and a chemistry/metabolic panel (to check electrolytes, liver enzymes, and other indices).
I would be happy to help explain whatever tests they are doing for her in the ER.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
People who get migraines (I am one too) can also sometimes have autonomic nervous system dysfunction that can cause some of these symptoms.
But given the constellation of symptoms, I think it is wise that she is going into the ER to be examined in person.
In the ER, request specifically for her to be seen by a physician and not by a PA or NP as this requires a higher level of knowledge than their training provides.
What I would do, based on these symptoms is the following:
recent history vitals (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate) - that she is pale, her blood pressure may be low.
Abdominal exam - there may be abnormal bowel sounds or specific localized pain that can give clues neurological exam - including sensation and perception.
Then, a complete blood count (looking for anemia, infection), and a chemistry/metabolic panel (to check electrolytes, liver enzymes, and other indices).
I would be happy to help explain whatever tests they are doing for her in the ER.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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