[46F] Experiencing severe skin sensitivity and neurological symptoms

Question

Any idea what could be causing this?

Patient Description

A 46-year-old female reports a month-long history of severe skin sensitivity on her leg, described as a constant, painful sensation akin to a sunburn, with burning, electric shocks, tingling, and pain exacerbated by touch or clothing contact. This pain follows a specific pattern, covering the front of one thigh, extending to the inner thigh and down the inside of the leg. Additionally, the patient experiences numbness in fingers and toes, described as a mix of complete loss of feeling and pins and needles, particularly noticeable with hand use or cold exposure, present for two years. Other symptoms include exhaustion, memory issues, and tightness and stiffness in legs and back, alongside some loss of bladder control and potential leg weakness. The patient has a family history of neurological diseases but no personal history of pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses and is not on any medication.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. It amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.

    • Treatment often involves a combination of medications, exercise, stress-reduction measures, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This results from damage to the peripheral nerves, which often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body, like your leg in your case.

    • Treatment typically involves managing the condition causing your neuropathy. Pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, capsaicin creams, and physical therapy can also help.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). It can cause a variety of symptoms, which may include pain or numbness in the limbs, fatigue, and problems with coordination and balance.

    • Treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, slowing the progression of the disease, and managing symptoms.

What you can do

You should definitely consult a healthcare professional about your symptoms. They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

  1. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with your pain. Always follow the package instructions.
  2. Warm baths or heating pads might help with your pain and stiffness.
  3. Gentle exercises and stretching can help with stiffness and improve your energy levels. But don't push yourself too hard, as this could make your symptoms worse.
  4. Try to keep your hands warm to alleviate the numbness.
  5. Keep a symptom diary. This can help you and your healthcare provider understand what's triggering or worsening your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

  • If your pain becomes severe or unbearable
  • If you experience a sudden increase in numbness or weakness
  • If you develop new symptoms, such as difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing
  • If you have a high fever or severe headache

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood problems. Patients often experience heightened sensitivity to pain.


How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed and treated?

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exams, blood tests, nerve function tests, and sometimes nerve biopsies. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause, pain relief, and physical therapy.


What are the early signs of multiple sclerosis?

Early signs of multiple sclerosis can include numbness or weakness in limbs, partial or complete loss of vision, prolonged double vision, tingling or pain in parts of the body, electric-shock sensations, tremor, lack of coordination, and fatigue.


How can I manage numbness and tingling in my fingers and toes?

To manage numbness and tingling, keep your extremities warm, avoid repetitive motions that may exacerbate symptoms, and consider physical therapy. Over-the-counter pain relievers and maintaining good blood sugar levels (if diabetic) can also help.


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3 Comments


Leo#3962

8 mo ago

Yes! This pattern of pain is very indicative of irritation or damage to a nerve root in your spine (in your case specifically around L3) which you can read more about here: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24379-dermatomes

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Leo#3962

8 mo ago

Secondly, your numbness that is worse with cold exposure sounds most like Raynaud's phenomenon, which if symptomatic can be treated.

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Leo#3962

8 mo ago

Finally, the tightness and stiffness in legs and back, alongside some loss of bladder control and potential leg weakness may be related to some degree of spinal cord injury or age-related degeneration, although the loss of bladder control could also be attributed to pelvic floor weakness. The best idea would be to get an MRI of your lower spine to help diagnose your issues and figure out a treatment plan that works

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