What Could Be The Cause Of Tingling Sensation In Hands And Fatigue ?

Posted on Sun, 29 Apr 2012

Question: Hello. I had a bad virus last month, started XXXXXXX 10th, they suspect it was something similar to mono. I had a fever for 10 days and it took about 3 weeks to get over. I still have some fatigue. Since yesterday i've had tingling sensations (mild) in my hands, mostly toward the palms. Haven't gotten this anywhere else. Ive been having trouble with TMJ too (muscle spasms and pressure). Im taking vitamins and my last blood test came back ok except for elevated liver enzymes, the doctor suspects that is from 14 days of diflucan for a thrush infection caused by antibiotics. Ive heard of Guillain–Barré syndrome following a virus and it has me worried. I've had some instances of my hands feeling like they had fallen asleep while using the computer before the virus but it always stopped after I quit. Just wondered what tingling sensation in hands can be linked to.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)

Hello and thanks for the query.

Let me start off by saying I really doubt this is a case of Guillain Barre and I understand why you are concerned about this. GB generally becomes quite progressive and involves the development of significant weakness and ultimately difficulty breathing. In addition to being quite rare, I feel the symptoms do not quite fit with what you have described.

The first thing I think of with the symptoms you describe is a possible electrolyte imbalance. Sometimes a fluctuation in calcium, potassium or magnesium levels may lead to this kind of thing. This would be easy to treat with an over the counter multivitamin as well as a supplement of calcium with vitamin D. symptoms should respond within 7 to 10 days.

Of course mild hand and wrist tingling so this is always a consideration. Generally we try wrist splints at bedtime and over a period of a few weeks it would likely improve if it is a true case of carpal tunnel.

It sounds like your body took quite a hit with this recent viral syndrome and now the thrush so I am sure your homeostasis is off and will slowly get back to normal within the next 10 to 14 days. Good hydration, balanced diet and adequate rest with moderate exercise are key to continued recovery. again I very much doubt that you have GB going on.

I thank you again for submitting your query. I hope you have fond this response to be helpful and informative. Should you have additional concerns I would be happy to address them.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

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

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 hours later)

Thank you for the response. The day before this tingling started I did switch vitamins. I was taking an XXXXXXX Natural vitamin which I ran out of and switched to a Centrum. The Centrum has many more vitamins but less b vitamins. I had also taken my last khlor-con potassium tablet before this started, as I had a previous potassium deficiency. Maybe too much? Should I try switching back to the old vitamin and taking a calcium supplement? Thanks so much.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (15 hours later)

Thanks for the followup.

As for the vitamin. I would recommend you try and go back to the old vitamin and start a calcium supplement as well. You may need to go back to taking potassium again but the only way to know that would be to check a lab test. In the meantime try eating foods XXXXXXX in potassium and see if that makes a difference in how you feel over a couple of weeks.

Thanks again for the query and followup. I hope this has proven to be a helpful exchange for you. I remain available if you have additional followups as well.

Regards,

Dr. Galamaga

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