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What Causes Pins And Needles Sensation In Arms And Legs?
Question: My 73 year old husband is complaining of pins and needles in his right arm and leg,onset 15 minutes ago. H he is having difficulty maintaining balance. He is not complaining of headache or dizziness. Speech is intact and he can raise both arms simultaneously. No pain. Type 2 diabetic; takes meds b/p 130/70
Brief Answer:
possibly dehydration & peripheral neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Acute onset of pins and needles sensation on one side is highly unusual. It could be due to dehydration or panic attack commonly. A transient ischaemic attack may rarely present like this, however, it should be relieved within 24 hours.
2. As blood pressure is normal, and there is no arm or leg weakness, possibility of stroke is low.
3. Difficulty in maintaining balance is worrisome and could be due to dehydration.
Give him adequate fluids. If there is any weakness, speech or vision problems, loss of bladder or bowel control or loss of consciousness, take him to ER.
At present,
1. Adequate hydration
2. Vit B12 and alpha lipoic acid supplements to treat associated peripheral neuropathy. Due to diabetes, increased possibility present.
3. Relaxation and rest.
Monitor him closely. Specifically blood pressure. If symptoms disappear and is again seen at a later date, transient ischaemic attack evaluation will be necessary.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
possibly dehydration & peripheral neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Acute onset of pins and needles sensation on one side is highly unusual. It could be due to dehydration or panic attack commonly. A transient ischaemic attack may rarely present like this, however, it should be relieved within 24 hours.
2. As blood pressure is normal, and there is no arm or leg weakness, possibility of stroke is low.
3. Difficulty in maintaining balance is worrisome and could be due to dehydration.
Give him adequate fluids. If there is any weakness, speech or vision problems, loss of bladder or bowel control or loss of consciousness, take him to ER.
At present,
1. Adequate hydration
2. Vit B12 and alpha lipoic acid supplements to treat associated peripheral neuropathy. Due to diabetes, increased possibility present.
3. Relaxation and rest.
Monitor him closely. Specifically blood pressure. If symptoms disappear and is again seen at a later date, transient ischaemic attack evaluation will be necessary.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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