tingling that shoots down my arms then up through my head

[ACASHMAMA]

Hi everyone,

Hi, my name is Jodie, and I am new to this board. I have experienced a strange sensation periodically for about 10 years now. It's a tingling that starts in my chest or mid back, then shoots down both of my arms, then it shoots up through my head causing intense tingling in my whole head. I used to get it maybe once a month or so, but now it happens about every other day. I usually happens when I'm just standing in my office talking to a co-worker, or standing in my kitchen, cooking. However, I have had it happen when I am driving, or in other seated positions. It lasts about 20-30 seconds total, then it's gone.

I am 40 years old, and my Dad has Primary Progressive MS, and my uncle (his brother) has Relapsing-Remitting MS. I never thought of my tingling sensation as being at all MS related, I thought it migh be my heart or something, but I was talking to my co-worker just now when it happened again and she said I should get checked for MS.

Please let me know if this sounds like something I should be concerned about. I have asked my doctor over the years, and have had my heart checked because of it, but never anything nerve related.

Any and all input is appreciated.

Thank you,
Jodie

[Scott1]

Hi Jodie,

Firstly, you shouldn't pay that much attention to your co-worker or any of us at this point. It is reasonable to get a scan of your spine though in case you have some sort of nerve damage causing this.

If the tingling in the arms is symmetrical then you may have something causing it on the cervical spine or the thoracic spine. It is doesn't feel as though it symmetrical then its more likely muscular in origin (but it still could be the spine).

As it used to occur only when you were standing it sounds postural. Now that it happens when you sit it could be it is slowly becoming a more pronounced problem. If the problem is postural then some form of corrective exercise would be the best way to deal with it (Pilates, Yoga etc). As you're 40 then do some exercise anyway. It doesn't have to be overly strenuous.

Just because you have close relatives with MS does not mean you will have it. It is not hereditary but it does occur in clusters. If ultimately they ever find an infectious link that would explain the pattern of occurrence but it would not imply a person with MS can infect you as its not that simple.

Tell your doctor what is happening and he should send you for a scan. If your problem shows up as nerve impingement, give exercises for stretching and toning a go first rather than rush off for surgical intervention.

Regards,

[lyndacarol]

...my name is Jodie, and I am new to this board. I have experienced a strange sensation periodically for about 10 years now. It's a tingling that starts in my chest or mid back, then shoots down both of my arms, then it shoots up through my head causing intense tingling in my whole head. I used to get it maybe once a month or so, but now it happens about every other day. I usually happens when I'm just standing in my office talking to a co-worker, or standing in my kitchen, cooking. However, I have had it happen when I am driving, or in other seated positions. It lasts about 20-30 seconds total, then it's gone.

I am 40 years old, and my Dad has Primary Progressive MS, and my uncle (his brother) has Relapsing-Remitting MS. I never thought of my tingling sensation as being at all MS related, I thought it migh be my heart or something, but I was talking to my co-worker just now when it happened again and she said I should get checked for MS.

Please let me know if this sounds like something I should be concerned about. I have asked my doctor over the years, and have had my heart checked because of it, but never anything nerve related.

Any and all input is appreciated.

Welcome to ThisIsMS, Jodie (ACASHMAMA).

"Tingling that shoots down the arms…" is not normal. As Scott1 suggests, I also suggest that you see your doctor, inform him of your symptoms and the increasing frequency, and discuss testing to investigate the possible causes.

With your family history of MS, you undoubtedly know that MS is a diagnosis of exclusion made AFTER other more likely conditions have been ruled out.

I suggest you start with nutrient testing (since deficiencies are VERY common). Ask your doctor for a vitamin D (the 25-hydroxyvitamin D) test; vitamin B12 testing; magnesium; zinc – deficiencies in these nutrients can manifest with neurological symptoms. We would be interested in hearing the actual number results, if you are willing to share.

[ACASHMAMA]

Thank you both. I just emailed my doctor. The weird thing is that I always thought everyone had these sensations. However, in the last few years, I realized that they don't. With them becoming more frequent, I think about it more often. I'll let you know what we find out.

-Jodie

[ACASHMAMA]

I lucked out and the Neuro had a cancellation, I am going to see him on Tuesday.

I will ask for the tests you mentioned.

Thank you again.

-Jodie