Do Pins And Needles In Feet And Confusion Indicate Brain Tumor?

Posted on Mon, 9 Mar 2015

Question: For the past 2 years or maybe longer i have been experiencing something that has been really worrying me. Mostly it happens when i drive. i can be driving down the road which is familiar and ill feel like im going the wrong way or lost, although i do get the feeling i have never really got lost or had to call for directions i always make it to where i want to go. it feels like if my mind is occupied though it does not happen. during the times this happen my feet also feel as if there are pin needles in them. also sometimes i will see one of my family members and i guess i over think aabout it and they look different although i do know who they are. I have had bad anxiety for a long time and it appears to be worse when im anxious or anticipate that its going to happen. i have no medical history and am on no medications. i have no cancer in my family and i think im healthy i get a physical once a year. could this be something terminal that i should worry about like a brain tumor or cancer, or could it simply be anxiety it has not gotten any worse over the 2-3 years. thanks..

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You do not have to be worry about brain tumor.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

I understand from your question that you are very scarred of cancer (especially brain tumor). You do not have to be worry about this because symptoms that you have described are not the signs of brain tumor.

Symptoms of brain tumor are:
1. headaches that become more severe,
2. nausea or vomiting, especially in the morning,
3. vision problems like blurred vision or double vision
4. difficulty with balance or speech.

However if you feel that you can not handle with this problem i suggest you to make CT scan so that you will be 100% sure about your brain.

You wrote that you feel like going the wrong way or driving wrong way. This is normal because you are driving automatically still the same way and you are not thinking about the road.

Also needles in your feet may be a manifestation of stress.

In my opinion the biggest problem is your anxiety. I suggest you to consult with psychiatrist so that he or she will examine you and prescribe adequate treatment which will help relive your symptoms.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Urszula Stanko (1 hour later)

what would cause some familiar things to look unfamiliar for a few seconds? the anxiety again that to only occurs when i think about it.

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
anxiety is the reason.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

During long periods of anxiety the mind starts to tune the world out and this is the reason why world becomes a place that feels unreal/ looks unfamiliar. It is not dangerous.

If you will find again in similar situation you can pinch yourself or touch something hot or cold so that you will focus on something different.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Urszula Stanko (1 hour later)

ok thank you so much im trying to beat it but its been hard because when these happen i get worried and more anxious.

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try relaxation techniques.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

There are several exercises and techniques that you can try to decrease our
anxiety.
1 breathing deeply. Take a 10 minute break and try to focus on your breathing. Take a slow breath through your nose an exhale through your mouth.

2. Close your eyes and relax your face, neck, upper chest, arms and legs.

3. Exercise regularly at least 150 minutes per week. All forms of exercise are good.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Urszula Stanko (8 hours later)

also i have started working out and i have cut out sodas in my diet. yesterday i drank 5 blue gatorades and this morning i went to the bathroom and my stool is green could this be from the gatorade i have went to the bathroom 2 times today and both times my stool was green. i do not have a fever or anything.

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Green stool may occure.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I understand your concern.

Anxiety can push food through the digestive tract too quickly.Normally it takes about 3 days from your mouth to the anus. But if it takes a shorter time the result may be green stool.
Green stool occurs because bile does not have time to break down completely.

You do not have to be worry about the color of the stool.

Thank you.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T