What Does Loss Of Sensation On Right Side Of Body Suggest?

Posted on Thu, 30 Jun 2016

Question: My right side of the body feels like insensitive from just below the toe to upward. Earlier the feeling was till the waist. But slowly it is going towards the shoulder. My right hand finger nails have black stripes . Do I need to go to a Neurologist?

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

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

I can understand your concern. If these symptoms are of spontaneous nature without any psychological disturbance, they could be neurological. You can check it by yourself at home

: Take a pin and prick it on sensitive area first followed by insensitive area. If you feel significant less pain, it means there is definitely some sensory loss.
Or
You can sink your left hand (sensitive) in cold water and then right hand. Note any difference between temperature felt.

If answer is yes, you must consult neurologist. If no, then you can observe for few days and if symptoms worsen, consult neurologist. The black stripes could be due to autonomic disturbance or deficiency of micronutrients.

The doctor will examine you and may advise
: MRI of cervical spine with screening of thoracic-lumbar
: Blood level of sugar/B12
: NCV (nerve conduction study) and EMG (electromyography)

Further treatment will be given after confirming diagnosis.

Hope it will help you. Still in doubt, do let me know, I would be happy to help you.

Thanks. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (1 hour later)

what can happen at worst if not taken seriously ?

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, thanks for asking.

As you have notice changes very early in sensory phase only, if it is nerve damage; it is at beginning stage.

If you will ignore it, it can progress further till same side and deficit increase in severity like

: Increased tingling sensation in limbs
: Progressive sensory loss manifesting as loss of touch/temperature/pain. It can cause painless burns, wounds.
: Later on it can cause motor weakness, manifesting as weakness of limbs- Right side hemiparesis.
: Also it may become permanent damage and full recovery may not occur.

So do not ignore it. Get yourself evaluated.

Thanks. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (19 hours later)

Is it curable?where's the treatment available? How much will it Cost?

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking.

The root cause behind your symptoms is still undiagnosed. It can be due to
: Syringomyelia
: Spinal cord tumor
: Deficiency disease like B12 deficiency.
: Non-compressive myelopathy or myelitis

Most of these are curable. You need to consult neurologist for full evaluation and management. As you are from XXXXXXX you can consult at Institute of Neurosciences , Private hospitals like Fortis etc. Treatment will depend upon the diagnosis. If surgical, it can cost upto 3-6 lakhs at private hospital.

Hope it will help you. Thanks. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee