Differential Diagnosis for Intermittent Whole Body Numbness
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anxiety or Panic Disorder: Intermittent whole body numbness can be a symptom of anxiety or panic disorders, often associated with hyperventilation, which leads to tingling sensations due to respiratory alkalosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hyperventilation Syndrome: Similar to anxiety disorders, hyperventilation can cause a drop in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, leading to numbness or tingling sensations in the body.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause neurological symptoms, including numbness or tingling in the body, although this is typically more localized.
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, multiple sclerosis can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including numbness or tingling sensations, which can be intermittent and widespread.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or Stroke: Although less common for whole body numbness, TIAs or strokes can present with sudden numbness and should always be considered due to their potential for severe consequences.
- Spinal Cord Compression: Compression of the spinal cord can cause numbness or tingling below the level of compression, but in severe cases, could potentially cause more widespread symptoms.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system, which can lead to numbness, tingling, and even paralysis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Peripheral Neuropathy: While more commonly associated with localized symptoms, certain types of peripheral neuropathy can cause widespread numbness or tingling.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases (e.g., ALS): Diseases like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including numbness or tingling, although these are typically accompanied by other more specific symptoms like muscle weakness or atrophy.
- Heavy Metal Poisoning: Exposure to certain heavy metals (like lead or mercury) can cause neurological symptoms, including numbness or tingling, though this would typically be accompanied by other systemic symptoms.