Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Fast Heart Beat And Discomfort In The Head?
Question: I slept on my left arm weird a few days ago and ever since then my body and mind have not been right. To be clear, I am not experiencing any pain. The first couple days there was a tingling, and then my head just kinda feels funny (and my nose too). Also every now and then I notice my heart is beating a lot faster than usual. It's hard to describe the feeling fully. It's kind of like I hit my funny bone and the after effects are not stopping. Also, I know my anxiety and stress (since I'm in college and it's getting close to the end of the semester) are not helping this situation. What could this be and what is a solution for it?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Fortunately though after going through all your symptoms there is no indication of a brain lesion or any other neurological condition which can anatomically explain that combination of the symptoms. While bad posture during sleep, with nerve compression, may at times lead to transitory damage of a peripheral nerve causing tingling in one limb, that wouldn't explain the head and heart symptoms.
I would say that a more likely cause for your symptoms would be anxiety which is one of the most common mimics of any neurological symptom, your background of anxiety makes that even more likely. So I would advise to keep up for the moment with moderate physical activity, relaxation exercises, perhaps yoga. There is also naturally antianxiety medication, but that should be left as a last resort.
If the symptoms persist, then to be prudent a neurological examination to check for other neurological signs you might have missed is advised, to exclude conditions such as multiple sclerosis, but I consider it unlikely. Also some routine blood tests such as blood count, thyroid function, electrolytes including calcium and magnesium should be done, as metabolic alterations may at times be at the root of such symptoms.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Fortunately though after going through all your symptoms there is no indication of a brain lesion or any other neurological condition which can anatomically explain that combination of the symptoms. While bad posture during sleep, with nerve compression, may at times lead to transitory damage of a peripheral nerve causing tingling in one limb, that wouldn't explain the head and heart symptoms.
I would say that a more likely cause for your symptoms would be anxiety which is one of the most common mimics of any neurological symptom, your background of anxiety makes that even more likely. So I would advise to keep up for the moment with moderate physical activity, relaxation exercises, perhaps yoga. There is also naturally antianxiety medication, but that should be left as a last resort.
If the symptoms persist, then to be prudent a neurological examination to check for other neurological signs you might have missed is advised, to exclude conditions such as multiple sclerosis, but I consider it unlikely. Also some routine blood tests such as blood count, thyroid function, electrolytes including calcium and magnesium should be done, as metabolic alterations may at times be at the root of such symptoms.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you! I will try to those things. Yes I notice my symptoms tend to act up when I am thinking about or doing school work and they calm down when I am just relaxing and enjoying myself. Thanks for the advice.
Brief Answer:
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
I hope you'll feel back your normal self very soon.
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
I hope you'll feel back your normal self very soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
