[30F] Experiencing numbness, burning in hands, and other symptoms

Patient Description

A 30-year-old female has been experiencing numbness and a burning sensation in both hands for about a year, which worsens during sleep and is temporarily relieved by standing and walking. Additionally, she reports red blotchy skin on her arms and chest, severe exhaustion, frequent urination, and a peeling scalp, all symptoms persisting for about a year. The patient has a history of Chiari malformation diagnosed three years ago, for which she underwent two brain surgeries. She is currently taking Venlafaxine 150 mg daily, monthly B-12 injections, and weekly Vitamin D supplements. No known allergies to medications have been reported.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition results from damage to your peripheral nerves, which often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body. The burning sensation and numbness in your hands that you've described could be symptoms of this condition.

    • Treatment typically involves managing the condition causing your neuropathy and relieving symptoms. Some people respond to certain types of prescription medications or therapies, such as physical therapy or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
  • Dermatitis: This is a general term that describes inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis can have many causes and occurs in many forms. It usually involves itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin. The redness on your arms and chest and the peeling of your scalp could be symptoms of this condition.

    • Treatment of dermatitis is typically focused on relieving discomfort and preventing further irritation.
  • Urinary Incontinence: This is a common condition characterized by the loss of bladder control. The frequent urination and inability to hold your urine that you've described could be symptoms of this condition.

    • Treatment depends on the type of incontinence, its severity and the underlying cause. A combination of treatments may be needed. If conservative treatments don't help, your doctor might suggest medications or surgery.
  • Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. The pain in your hands and joints, exhaustion, and sleep disturbances could be symptoms of this condition.

    • Treatment often involves a team approach, including your doctor, a physical therapist, and possibly other health professionals. What works for one person might not work for another, so you might need to try a variety of strategies.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

  1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, dermatologist, or urologist, depending on your symptoms.
  2. Keep a symptom diary. Note when your symptoms occur, what you're doing at the time, and what you've eaten that day. This can help identify any patterns or triggers, which can be useful information for your healthcare provider.
  3. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help manage symptoms and improve overall health.

What you should look out for

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if:

  • Your symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop
  • You experience severe pain
  • You have difficulty walking or performing daily activities due to your symptoms
  • You experience changes in your bowel or bladder function

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.

Show More

2
 Hugs
1
 Comments

Save

7 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common causes of peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors including diabetes, infections, traumatic injuries, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins. It can also be a side effect of certain medications.


How can dermatitis be managed at home?

Managing dermatitis at home can include using moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated, avoiding irritants or allergens that may trigger symptoms, using over-the-counter anti-itch creams, and taking lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda.


What lifestyle changes can help manage urinary incontinence?

Lifestyle changes that can help manage urinary incontinence include performing pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol, and scheduling regular bathroom visits to avoid urgency.


What are the typical symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Typical symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties (often referred to as 'fibro fog'), and sometimes mood disorders. Symptoms can vary widely among individuals.


Preview

Post

1 Comments


Leo#3962

7 mo ago

Regarding your hand symptoms, I think possibly carpal tunnel syndrome could related, although usually it would only be in one hand. As you might know, it's a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the hands, particularly at night. The fact that symptoms are relieved by standing and walking could be due to changes in hand position and movement, which relieve pressure on the median nerve.

1
 Hugs
Reply

Share your feedback