Sudden numbness in limbs

[Martin Painsville]

Some of you may have seen my previous post, entitled 'Help with Diagnosis?'. I am in a bad spot right now, as I am having some new symptoms and would appreciate any help.

Two nights ago, both legs suddenly went numb while watching tv with family members. They remained numb, regardless of the position I was in - I couldn't shake it out. Went to bed that way and when I woke up yesterday, they were much improved, though I still felt a little strange.

Then, during the day yesterday, the same happened to both arms to a lesser degree. This waxed and waned.

Then, last night, again, both legs suddenly went quite profoundly numb.

The numbness is not accompanied by pain and I still seem to have sensation and muscle control in the limbs during these periods. Strange thing is that since this occurrence, my pelvic pain seems less severe - though I can't detect any numbness in that region.

I am currently taking Doxycycline, Celebrex and Lorazepam. I have read that Celebrex can very rarely cause numbness of limbs, but doubt that this is it, as the onset of my legs going numb happened at about the same time both days while the time I took the Celebrex differed (6am one day, 12pm another). Also, I have been taking Celebrex for almost two weeks now - would a side effect really begin now? I also talked to several pharmacists who doubted the medication was to blame. I have stopped taking both the Celebrex and Lorazepam to see if this makes any difference.

Is it possible that I am having an issue with nerves?

[Jay]

I have pain which goes down the legs during chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome flares. Not so unusual. For me, it may be a combination of nerve cross talk and maybe my disc degeneration, but the latter was quite minor at last check. My arms, I've never had issues with.

As to your other observation, there's something to be said for distraction. I have suffered from severe migraines all my life. When I come down with one, the pain in my pelvis seems significantly diminished, if not entirely absent. This lasts until the migraine is gone. I'd hazard a guess that the nervous system can only handle one major pain at once, so it prioritizes. Just a layman's guess.

See your GP and get their opinion. If they feel the symptoms you're exhibiting are of concern, they'll probably refer you to an appropriate specialist.

[webslave]

It could be something serious, or it could be a panic attack, during which you are hyperventilating. Hyperventilation can cause symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the hands, feet and lips. Panic attacks, stress or anxiety commonly are causes of hyperventilation.

If it occurs when you are calm and relaxed, and quite sure you are not stressed or anxious, then see a doctor.

[Martin Painsville]

Thanks for the reply Jay.

The weird thing is that it appears to be rather constant. I am lying down as I type this and now even feel it in my back and buttock as they roll off the sofa.

[webslave]

In your other thread you mentioned you were "scared to death" of what was happening to you. This is a classic panic attack statement. Hyperventilation can occur with a mildly elevated rate of respiration; you don't have to be gasping to cause it.

[Martin Painsville]

But in instances of anxiety or stress-driven numbness, I have read (and heard from friends who suffer) that they are short-lived experiences. I guess I worry that this sensation, which has now gone on for a day and a half, might be indicative of other issues.

[Martin Painsville]

Thanks again for the replies guys. I halted the Celebrex a few days ago and the numbness is fading. Sensation has returned to normal for the most part - just some remnants in my arms and fingers. It was really an incredible sensation. Full body numbness.

Webslave - To respond to your comment about panic attacks - I wonder if this is something that I am currently experiencing, though not in relation to the numbness. I've now had three episodes over the last 6 weeks that seem to be consistent with panic attacks - I have about 5-7 minutes of shallow breathing before having my heart race out of my chest and a feeling of being disconnected from the present. Then I get shakes and shivers and feel ill for about 30 mins before returning to normal. In fact, my first such experience had me take a trip to the ER, because I was sure there was something very wrong physically - apparently that's textbook.

The only thing is that last night, for instance, I was VERY relaxed at the onset. Up until that point, I had even had one of the most enjoyable, stress-free days I had experienced within the last 2 months. My pain had even let up a little, leading me to have a much more positive outlook. Kind of a big step back to have had that happen.