What Causes Numbness In The Upper And Lower Limbs?

Posted on Wed, 9 Nov 2016

Question: My feet and legs go numb off and on making it impossible to walk. My hads and arms also go numb but not to the same degree. If I sit with mylegs up the numbness will go away but comes back quickly upon walking.
I have advanced liver disease and very high potassaium that my doctor haas done nothing about. I was admitted to Duke and they reduced it a bit but itis elevated again.
Any Ideas ythe nubnesss has crippled me.
Thanks XXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Numbness cause and approach

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX XXXXXXX thanks for asking from HCM.

I can understand your concern. The raised potassium can cause nerve conduction problems and advanced liver disease can also further damage the nerves by altering vitamin and electrolyte balance in body.

All these events lead to sensory symptoms of nerve damage. You should first tell your doctor about the exact site of numbness. If possible, try to get
: Nerve conduction studies of nerve - If it shows neuropathy, then ask for few investigations like
-blood sugar
-serum sodium, calcium, potassium
-renal function tests
-B12 level

All these investigations will help in finding the associated cause of neuropathy. For treatment, you need to first confirm the diagnosis. Till then, you can follow few tips

: Avoid potassium rich food like citrus fruits, banana, juices
: Avoid dehydration
: Take neutron specific vitamin like Pyridoxine, Thiamine, Pantothenic acid, Methylcobalamine after proper prescription.

Hope it will help you. If still in doubt, do let me know. Please inform me after evaluation.
Thanks. Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (27 hours later)

Would lyrica help or gabapenten?

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Numbness control

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX welcome back.

I got your point. Lyrica (Pregabaline) and Gabapentine both are effective in treating your symptoms. You can use anyone of them

Both are excreted by kidney, so no damage to liver. You can use either one depending upon prescription.

Usual dose of Pregabaline is 75 to 150mg daily after prescription.

Usual dose of Gabapentine is 300 to 600mg daily.

The above medications are available only with prescription.

Hope it will help you. Thanks. Take care.
If any doubt, do let me know.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar