Pins and needles in foot

[lissaip]

I had a catastrophic subarachniod hemorrhage on Dec 23rd and since i can remember i have had the best i can describe as pins and needles in the foot. I was paralyzed down the right side and it gets worse at night. I am on 800 mg of gabapentin 3 times a day and i just want to know does anybody else get the same?

[headwayuk Partner Headway]

Hi lissaip,

Thank you for your post - I hope some other people can post more about their personal experiences of this, but I wanted to give you a little more information from us in the mean time.

Pins and needles are listed as a common side effect of gabapentin (netdoctor.co.uk/brain-and-n... ) so did this happen after you went on the medication, or was it present before?

Changes in sensation can also be an effect of a brain injury such as that caused by the subarachnoid haemorrhage you sustained, so this could also be the cause - particularly as you have experienced some serious physical symptoms with the paralysis down your right side.

It is important to speak to your doctor about this - if they are unsure then perhaps they could refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist to try to get to the bottom of it, and see if there is any rehab such as physiotherapy that could help.

The nurses on our helpline will be able to talk you through your medication and brain injury effects, so do call them free on 0808 800 2244 or email [e-mail].

Best wishes.

[lissaip]

Thanks Headway for your answer.

I started taking Gabapentin because of the pins and needles. When i was in hospital i felt like they did not believe me. Then when i went to Northwick Park Rehabilitation unit they believed me and straight away prescribed me Gabapentin. They do work mostly but sometimes it does get bad.

I see a neuro physiotherapist and she is really helping. One of toes was starting to bend under so she started to use electrodes on it and this helped my pins & needles. I am still having this treatment so will let you know if i manage to come off the tablets.

[ncmurphy1951]

this may help although a different extremity when i woke up i had severe pins and needles in my ands gabapentin for a month resolved this with exercise stregning my hands

[lissaip in reply to ncmurphy1951]

I have been taking gabapentin since March now and still find it difficult to sleep.

Thanks though.

[formula]

i get the feeling to .. and sometimes it can come in my thigh or foot .. funny enough right foot left thigh ... can be circulation problems or as simple as being a little over weight .. there is a nerve in the small of your back which can cause the sensation when gaining a few pounds

[lissaip in reply to formula]

I have had this for as long as I remember since coming round out of the coma, they sorted the excruciating pain in my right knee and in its place was this pins and needles pain. Since I have come out of hospital I have put on about 2 stone but I have had it even without the extra weight. Funny you saying about circulation as they nearly had to amputate a couple of toes because I had multiple organ failure as well and they where turning blue. Luckily though I still have all my toes. Not seeing the neuro physiotherapist anymore as my toes are as they should be. Will keepvin contact to let you know if anything else happens but I am not holding my breath.

Thank you formula for your response