[32F] Experiencing numbness, dizziness, and shortness of breath

Patient Description

A 32-year-old female presents with tingling and numbness evenly distributed across her arms, hands, legs, and feet, which worsens with movement. She has been experiencing these symptoms for about 30 minutes. Additionally, she reports dizziness rated 8/10 in severity, occurring when standing or walking, and more pronounced at night. The patient also experiences shortness of breath, described as an inability to take a full breath, with a severity of 7/10, which started tonight. She has not experienced shortness of breath before. The patient mentions weakness in her limbs and ear stuffiness, where she can only hear her heartbeat, both symptoms starting tonight and rated 8/10 in severity. She is also experiencing chills. The patient has no known allergies, adverse reactions to medications, or pre-existing conditions, and is not on any medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are several possibilities:

  • Orthostatic Hypotension: This is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down. It can cause dizziness and fainting. The numbness and tingling you're experiencing could be due to decreased blood flow to your extremities.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes such as standing up slowly and drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including dizziness, shortness of breath, and numbness or tingling. The fact that your symptoms are worse at night could suggest that they're related to stress or anxiety.

    • Treatment usually involves a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition results from damage to the peripheral nerves, which can cause numbness and tingling in the extremities. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medical conditions, infections, and exposure to toxins.

    • Treatment typically involves managing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms.
  • Hyperventilation Syndrome: This condition occurs when you breathe too quickly or too deeply, often due to anxiety or panic. It can cause dizziness, shortness of breath, and numbness or tingling.

    • Treatment usually involves learning to control your breathing.
  • Cardiovascular Conditions: Given your shortness of breath and the sensation of your heart beating in your ears, it's important to consider conditions such as heart disease or arrhythmias.

    • Treatment depends on the specific condition and may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

Please remember that this is not a comprehensive list of possibilities and these conditions are not the only reasons for your symptoms.

What you can do

Given the severity and sudden onset of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. You should go to the emergency department or call an ambulance if you're alone or if your symptoms worsen.

What you should look out for

Watch for any changes in your symptoms, especially if they worsen or if you develop new symptoms such as chest pain, confusion, difficulty speaking, or loss of consciousness. These could be signs of a more serious condition and require immediate medical attention.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Orthostatic Hypotension: American Heart Association Guidelines

People Also Ask


What causes tingling and numbness in the extremities?

Tingling and numbness in the extremities can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor circulation, nerve damage (such as peripheral neuropathy), anxiety, or even certain vitamin deficiencies. It's important to identify the underlying cause to determine the appropriate treatment.


How can anxiety lead to physical symptoms like dizziness and shortness of breath?

Anxiety can trigger the body's 'fight or flight' response, leading to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, dizziness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms occur because the body is preparing to respond to a perceived threat, even if there isn't an actual danger present.


What is orthostatic hypotension and how is it managed?

Orthostatic hypotension is a condition where blood pressure drops significantly when standing up from a sitting or lying position, leading to dizziness or fainting. It is often managed by making lifestyle changes such as standing up slowly, increasing fluid and salt intake, and wearing compression stockings. In some cases, medication may be necessary.


When should I seek medical attention for symptoms like shortness of breath and dizziness?

You should seek medical attention if you experience sudden or severe symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, confusion, or difficulty speaking. These could be signs of a serious condition that requires immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional.


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