What illness did I have? And why is it going away?

[Anonymous]

First I felt this paralyzing tingling sensation every time I tried to use the lap top and I was concerned because I didn't think I'd be able to hand in school work or studying for class if I wasn't able to use a lap top. Then I thought I might have some type of disease because the tingling and numbness started spreading to my feet and legs and then I wondered if I was going to die because the tingling sensation started to spread to my brain and I almost had an hallucination. Now 2 days later - it's all gone as if my health problems have corrected themselves. I'm not sure what it is but I've been on a low carb diet in the hopes of losing body fat because I thought maybe my obesity caused the problems in my body.

[jmr2191]

If your hands, feet and/or ears turned turned dark red, blue or felt cold, then it's something called Raynaud's Phenomenon. It's a minor, intermittent disorder caused by an autoimmune process constricting the blood vessels in the extremeties, which can be brought on by stress or cold. It usually goes away on its own, but it's crucial to keep them warm during those times.

IF IT DID NOT CHANGE COLOR, THE MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSIS IS A PSYCHOSOMATIC PHYSIOLOGY- A PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION RESULTING FROM STRONG EMPOTIONS SUCH AS ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION.

[Asker]

Thanks!!! I think you are right! Can this illness be discovered through a blood test because I am supposed to take one tomorrow morning.

[jmr2191]

Primary Raynaud's Phenomenon is a diagnosis of exclusion. Diagnosis is confirmed by examining digital artery pressure in affected extremeties before and after exposure to cold. Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon, which is significantly more common, is a symptom secondary to many autoimmune diseases and vasculitis. Thus, an ANA (antinuclear antibody) screen, CBC (complete blood count) and dipstick urinalysis should be performed to rule out other autoimmune and other systemic vasculitic diseases prior to confirming a diagnosis of Primary Raynaud's Phenomenon.

[jmr2191]

On a personal level, I have Primary Raynaud's Phenomenon myself. This should give you more information on the disorder: www.nlm.nih.gov/.../000412.htm

[Anonymous]

Check Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome
Don't take my word for it though, I'm not a doctor!

[TheSkyIsBlue]

Maybe you blood pressure was low, consider adding complex carbs. Also, it sounds like perhaps an anxiety attack.