numbness with nausea

Overview

Numbness is a loss of feeling or a tingling sensation in part of your body. Nausea is the feeling that you may vomit. When these two occur together, it can be a sign that something is affecting your brain or nerves, but it is not always serious.

It is not unusual for people to experience numbness and nausea together. The exact frequency depends on the cause.

It can happen at any age. Some causes are more likely in older adults, such as stroke, while others are more common in younger people, such as migraine.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A feeling of pins and needles in your hands, feet, or face
• Reduced ability to feel touch, temperature, or pain in an area
• Nausea, with or without throwing up
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• A headache, especially in one part of the head

Symptoms in children

• Your child may complain of a fuzzy or tingly feeling in their arms or legs
• They may vomit and also seem dizzy or clumsy
• They may refuse to move one arm or leg because it 'feels strange'

Symptoms in older adults

• Sudden numbness or tingling on one side of the body
• Loss of balance with nausea
• Difficulty gripping objects or walking

Causes

Main causes

• Migraine, particularly migraine with aura
• A stroke or transient ischaemic attack (often called a TIA or mini-stroke)
• Pressure on a nerve, for example from a slipped disc
• Diabetes-related nerve damage
• Anxiety or a panic attack
• Low levels of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12 or folate

Risk factors

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Being overweight
• A family history of migraine or neurological conditions
• Drinking too much alcohol

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Your symptoms are sudden, new, or severe
• You have weakness in your face, arm, or leg
• You have trouble speaking or understanding
• You have vision changes or loss of balance
• You also have a fever and a stiff neck

Book a routine appointment if:

• Numbness and nausea have been happening for a while
• Symptoms come and go, and you have not found a pattern
• You are worried about your symptoms
• You have other conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure

Diagnosis

A doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, how long they last, and any triggers. They will also perform a physical examination, testing your reflexes, strength, and sensation. Depending on what they find, they may order further tests.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for diabetes, vitamin levels, or signs of inflammation
• A CT or MRI scan of your brain or spine
• Nerve tests, such as nerve conduction studies
• Tests of your heart rhythm and blood pressure

What to expect at your appointment

You may need several tests, and it can take time to find the cause. Your doctor will explain each step. You might be referred to a specialist in brain and nerve conditions, called a neurologist.

Treatment

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. If you have migraine, your doctor may suggest ways to prevent or stop attacks. If nerve damage is from diabetes, controlling blood sugar can help. If a vitamin deficiency is found, it can be corrected. Your healthcare team will create a plan with you, and treatment may include medicine, but only those prescribed by your doctor.

Self-care at home

• Rest if you feel nauseous or unsteady
• Sip small amounts of water to stay hydrated
• Keep a diary of your symptoms, including times, triggers, and how long they last
• Avoid sudden movements that may make dizziness worse
• If you have migraine, rest in a quiet, dark room

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat the underlying condition, such as migraine prevention, nerve pain medication, or blood thinners if a stroke risk is found. They might also recommend therapies such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy to improve strength and balance. Never take over-the-counter medicines for nerve symptoms without asking a pharmacist or doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is uncommon. It may be considered if a nerve is compressed by a disc, bone, or another structure and other treatments have not helped.

Living with this condition

If numbness affects your hands or feet, take extra care with walking, cooking, and using sharp tools. You may need to slow down and rest more. If you feel sick, try small dry snacks like crackers until the nausea passes.

Lifestyle tips

• Get adequate sleep, as tiredness can worsen nerve symptoms
• Manage stress with breathing exercises, meditation, or talking to someone
• Stay physically active within your limits
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Take any supplements your doctor has recommended

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and sources of B vitamins can support your nerves. Gentle exercise like walking, stretch exercises, or yoga can help maintain balance and reduce stress. If you feel unsteady, exercise with someone else or use a supportive rail.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with numbness and nausea can be stressful. You may feel anxious or find it hard to enjoy daily activities. It is normal to feel this way. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you ever have thoughts about harming yourself, call emergency services or a crisis line right away.

Prevention

Not always, but you can reduce your risk of serious causes. Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar in a healthy range, eat well, stay active, and attend regular health check-ups.

Screening programmes

Regular health checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol can help catch conditions that may cause nerve symptoms. If you have a family history of migraine or stroke, share that with your doctor.

Complications

If left untreated

• A stroke can cause lasting damage if not treated quickly
• Nerve damage may progress and make it harder to walk, hold objects, or perform daily tasks
• Chronic nausea can lead to dehydration and weight loss
• In rare cases, certain infections or conditions can be life-threatening if not treated

Long-term outlook

Many causes of numbness and nausea improve with the right treatment. Even when a condition is long-term, most people are able to manage their symptoms and continue to live active, full lives. Early diagnosis gives you the best chance of a good outcome.

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