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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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On And Off Tingling In Left Foot And Hand Due To Stress Recurring When Alcohol Intake Stopped. Reason?

Hi, I have tingling in my left foot and left hand. I,ve had this for a couple of months now. This started when I was under stress a while ago but I am no longer stressed and haven't been for a few months now.
I drink 3-4 nights a week and have done for the last 10 years. I seem to get this after I drink for a few days and it gradually disappears when I don't drink for a few days. It then returns when I drink again.
What causes this?
Wed, 22 May 2013
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Pins & Needle Sensation & Tingling Sensation in different part of body can be manifestation of both psychiatric & medical diseases. One example is Peripheral Neuropathy, again the cause of this peripheral neuropathy can be elevated blood sugar level or long term abuse of alcohol. Peripheral vascular diseases leading to low blood supply in particular part of body can also lead to tingling. If this is the cause in your case, you need proper investigation to rule out the underlying cause.
Among psychiatric illnesses, of course tingling & pins & needles sensation can be manifestation of Depression, Anxiety spells, Panic Attacks, Somatization Disorder etc. In psychiatric causes for these symptom, not a particular part of the body is affected [As you have mentioned left foot & left arm is only recurrently suffers tingling], instead it is non specific & also the location is not fixed.
To best of my guess, I think you need to be evaluated for alcohol habit as well as blood sugar level measurement. Alcohol abuse and Diabetes are known causes of peripheral neuropathy leading to tingling affecting limbs. You also need to be evaluated for peripheral vascular disease, as atherosclerosis can also lead to tingling & pins & needle sensation

Thank you
Dr Satyajeet Kumar Singh
MD Psychiatry, MBBS
[Viewer Rating Awaited]



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On And Off Tingling In Left Foot And Hand Due To Stress Recurring When Alcohol Intake Stopped. Reason?

Pins & Needle Sensation & Tingling Sensation in different part of body can be manifestation of both psychiatric & medical diseases. One example is Peripheral Neuropathy, again the cause of this peripheral neuropathy can be elevated blood sugar level or long term abuse of alcohol. Peripheral vascular diseases leading to low blood supply in particular part of body can also lead to tingling. If this is the cause in your case, you need proper investigation to rule out the underlying cause. Among psychiatric illnesses, of course tingling & pins & needles sensation can be manifestation of Depression, Anxiety spells, Panic Attacks, Somatization Disorder etc. In psychiatric causes for these symptom, not a particular part of the body is affected [As you have mentioned left foot & left arm is only recurrently suffers tingling], instead it is non specific & also the location is not fixed. To best of my guess, I think you need to be evaluated for alcohol habit as well as blood sugar level measurement. Alcohol abuse and Diabetes are known causes of peripheral neuropathy leading to tingling affecting limbs. You also need to be evaluated for peripheral vascular disease, as atherosclerosis can also lead to tingling & pins & needle sensation Thank you Dr Satyajeet Kumar Singh MD Psychiatry, MBBS [Viewer Rating Awaited]