Differential Diagnosis for Tingling Hands and Feet in a Teen

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Vitamin B12 deficiency: This condition is relatively common, especially in teenagers who follow a strict vegan diet or have a poor diet. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the production of myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds nerve fibers, and its deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms such as tingling hands and feet.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Hypocalcemia: Low calcium levels can cause tingling sensations in the hands and feet, and this condition can be seen in teenagers, especially those with a poor diet or certain medical conditions.
• Hyperventilation syndrome: This condition is common in teenagers, especially during periods of stress or anxiety, and can cause tingling sensations in the hands and feet due to respiratory alkalosis.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Although more common in adults, carpal tunnel syndrome can also occur in teenagers, especially those who engage in activities that involve repetitive wrist movements.
• Diabetes: Although less common in teenagers, new-onset diabetes can cause tingling sensations in the hands and feet due to high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Guillain-Barré syndrome: This rare autoimmune disorder can cause rapid onset of tingling and weakness in the hands and feet, and if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening respiratory failure.
• Multiple sclerosis: This chronic autoimmune disorder can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including tingling sensations in the hands and feet, and early diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
• Toxic exposures: Exposure to certain toxins, such as heavy metals or certain chemicals, can cause tingling sensations in the hands and feet, and prompt recognition and treatment are essential to prevent long-term damage.

Rare Diagnoses

• Friedreich's ataxia: This rare genetic disorder can cause progressive damage to the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as tingling hands and feet, ataxia, and muscle weakness.
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: This group of rare genetic disorders can cause progressive damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as tingling hands and feet, muscle weakness, and atrophy.
• Refsum disease: This rare genetic disorder can cause a buildup of a certain type of fatty acid in the body, leading to symptoms such as tingling hands and feet, vision loss, and hearing loss.