[45F] Experiencing intermittent abdominal numbness

Patient Description

A 45-year-old female presents with a 2-year history of intermittent numbness on the left side of the abdomen. The numbness is not associated with pain and does not have identified alleviating factors. The onset of symptoms began after experiencing a cramp while sitting up from a bath. The patient's medical history includes COPD diagnosed approximately 3 years ago, high blood pressure and high cholesterol diagnosed around 5 years ago, and migraines and hypoglycemia diagnosed about 12 years ago. The patient reports an adverse reaction to Flexeril, which causes generalized itching. Current medications include Amitriptyline, Atorvastatin, Losartan, Breo, and Montelukast. No other symptoms or medications were reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your symptoms include:

  • Abdominal wall strain or injury: Given that the numbness started after a cramp, it's possible that you may have strained or injured your abdominal wall. This can cause numbness, discomfort, or a pulling sensation in the affected area.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, pain relief, and physical therapy.
  • Nerve impingement: Nerves in your abdomen can become compressed or trapped, leading to numbness or tingling. This can be due to a variety of causes, including injury, inflammation, or conditions such as hernias.

    • Treatment depends on the cause but can include physical therapy, medications, or in some cases, surgery.
  • Abdominal migraine: Although less common, abdominal migraines can cause a variety of symptoms, including numbness. Given your history of migraines, this could be a possibility.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to control the migraine.

Please note that these are possible causes based on the information you've provided, and they may not be exhaustive. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

While waiting for your appointment with a healthcare professional, you can:

  1. Apply a warm compress to the area to help alleviate any discomfort.
  2. Avoid strenuous activities that may exacerbate the numbness.
  3. Keep a symptom diary, noting when the numbness occurs, how long it lasts, and any potential triggers. This can be helpful information for your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

  • The numbness spreads or worsens
  • You experience severe pain
  • You notice changes in your bowel or bladder function
  • You develop a fever or other signs of infection

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What could cause intermittent numbness in the abdomen?

Intermittent numbness in the abdomen can be caused by factors such as abdominal wall strain, nerve impingement, or less commonly, conditions like abdominal migraines. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.


How can nerve impingement in the abdomen be treated?

Treatment for nerve impingement in the abdomen depends on the underlying cause. It may include physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation or pain, and in some cases, surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve.


Can migraines cause numbness in areas other than the head?

Yes, migraines can sometimes cause numbness or tingling in areas other than the head, such as the abdomen. This is known as an abdominal migraine, which is less common but possible, especially in individuals with a history of migraines.


What should I do if my abdominal numbness worsens or spreads?

If your abdominal numbness worsens or spreads, you should seek immediate medical attention. Other concerning symptoms to watch for include severe pain, changes in bowel or bladder function, or signs of infection like fever.


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