Pins and Needles
 

Has anyone else gotten pins and needles sensations or tingling? The tingling is daily for me - particularly when lying in bed and can be induced by pinching my skin somewhere so it seems to be nerve-related. The tingling doesn't really bother me as it does hurt, but in the last couple of weeks, I've had sharp pins and needles particularly in my lower back when walking and it's a little concerning although they don't last too long. I do take a multivitamin (and other doctor-prescribed medications and vitamins) which majorly helps the tingling as it's near constant without.

I can't be certain that it's concussion related as my concussion was ~15 months ago (July 2014). The tingling first started shortly after I stopped taking meloxicam (pain med) daily in February, which I apparently wasn't supposed to be doing but didn't know.

If you've had this symptom, how do you deal with it or are there any specific doctors I should see?

Could you have some neck inflammation that was relieved by the med but manifest once you stopped ? Pins and needles can be neck related.

I've been getting tingling in my feet and hands since the injury. Tingling in my feet was actually one of the first symptoms that emerged. However the doctor said that its not a concussion symptom and general internet searching tends to agree. It may actually be a related neck symptom.

If you haven't had a recent work up about this tingling , I suggests that as a first step.
If your doctor doesn’t do any hands on testing, perhaps ask for a PT assessment/ evaluation..
They take the time to ask questions and do positional testing to locate where these symptoms can be coming from..

a few questions they might ask..
Had you had any past neck or spine related injuries?
Do you have any neck, shoulder or back pain relating to the tingling?
Any family history of back problems or related health issues?

I had some minor neck issues at first but got them all cleared by a PT before these symptoms emerged. She didn't think my neck was affecting me much. I was on the pain meds at the time though. It doesn't seem to correspond directly to any back/neck pain although I will admit that my posture isn't great. I'll be seeing doctors (general practitioner and neuro) in a few weeks so will make sure to mention my past neck stuff. Thanks for the feedback!

Nema,

I get them too since my injury.

No medical people seem to take it seriously. It is my remaining nemesis though along with stiff muscles down my backside.

My skin is definitely more sensitive also.

For the most part I do ok ignoring it. I try to tell myself it is not how you feel but how you function and everything works ok...just feels Like I wasn't put back together quite correct.

Bud

I get them too, mostly related to too much stress or when thinking too hard, after work sometimes, after being upset, or when emotional. Can be all over my body. It is painful not super bad but like a 4 or5. I get them in my head too. 4.5 months post concussion

Nema and others, It does not matter if a PT, doctor, chiro, or CT/MRI has cleared your neck. The subtle neck injury that can be caused by a head trauma can cause inflammation and radiculopathy and other nerve issues without being painful or otherwise diagnoseable.

This is not saying that a subtle neck injury is causing your pins and needles, but it could be the cause.

I agree, its very possible. When the doctor was giving me a neck exam it temporarily increased the tingling in my limbs by looking for the pain so I do suspect there is a corresponding neck injury. It actually makes you wonder at what point the concussion and neck injury overlap, as they do have very similar symptoms.

Research shows a substantial overlap between concussion and subtle neck injuries. One study suggest 80% of concussions include a neck injury. As the old spiritual Dem Bones goes, The head bone is connected to the neck bone. Bang the head and it is felt into the neck.

Hi!
I am happy to see I am not the only one. I have pins and needles 24/7 on my tongue and the roof of my mouth - since my accident (TBI) four years ago! I was told it has to do with damage to the cranial nerves in my case. Perhaps that is the same for you? They are all different and go in different parts of the body and face and neck.
I am trying to get used to it, like the tinnitis 24 7. But some days I am fed up with it!
hope you are improving!