Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Tingling Sensation And Numbness On Right Side Of Body?
Question: For the past three days I have been experiencing tingling, with some numbness over the right side of my body. Otherwise I have recovered well from an awful case of sciatica in my right leg that responded to pain medication and physical therapy. My doctor recently sent me for an X-Ray of my thoracic spine.
XXXXXXX 88 years old
XXXXXXX 88 years old
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is a little unclear whether by tingling on the right side you mean only the lower limb previously affected by sciatica or the whole body, including the trunk and upper limb.
If only the lower limb, then I would say it is the aftermath of the previous sciatica issue. You do seem to have chronic back issues which may lead to nerve irritation and some sensory symptoms. In terms of management there is not much to change, only the physical therapy and the occasional Ibuprofen when needed.
If you mean the whole right side of your body, then still a question of spinal changes due to arthritis would be the primary suspect, leading to spinal cord compression. An x-ray is a good initial exam to check for fractures, if upper limb is involved I would include the neck as well as the thoracic column. If the symptoms worsen over time though, a MRI might be necessary to check for cord compression.
Stroke is also a possibility to be considered, but it usually involves the face as well, there commonly is muscle weakness and when the right limbs are involved there are speech issues associated. So if none of those present and your doctor hasn't noted any additional signs I do not believe that to be an issue.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is a little unclear whether by tingling on the right side you mean only the lower limb previously affected by sciatica or the whole body, including the trunk and upper limb.
If only the lower limb, then I would say it is the aftermath of the previous sciatica issue. You do seem to have chronic back issues which may lead to nerve irritation and some sensory symptoms. In terms of management there is not much to change, only the physical therapy and the occasional Ibuprofen when needed.
If you mean the whole right side of your body, then still a question of spinal changes due to arthritis would be the primary suspect, leading to spinal cord compression. An x-ray is a good initial exam to check for fractures, if upper limb is involved I would include the neck as well as the thoracic column. If the symptoms worsen over time though, a MRI might be necessary to check for cord compression.
Stroke is also a possibility to be considered, but it usually involves the face as well, there commonly is muscle weakness and when the right limbs are involved there are speech issues associated. So if none of those present and your doctor hasn't noted any additional signs I do not believe that to be an issue.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
