today...
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Numb Tongue!
In recent times with the explosion of the internet, people seem to get the idea of self-diagnosing diseases, illnesses or even a simple headache! Alas, I have fallen into this trap many times. We shouldn't give ourselves an honorary medical degree just because we can search for symptoms or conditions on the internet and diagnose our symptoms.Ever since Monday, I've had a strange feeling on my tongue. Actually I think I've had it for the past week and maybe even the past two weeks. It's like a numb sensation on the tip of my tongue which is on-going 24/7. It doesn't stop being numb. How do I describe the feeling? Well, when my mouth is closed, there is this sensation at the tip of my tongue even though it's just sitting there relxaing in my mouth. It just feels different to the rest of my tongue, and when I rub the tip of my tongue on the roof of my mouth, there is a slight tingly/numbing feeling.
But since Monday, it's been bothering me. It doesn't hurt but the feeling is just annoying. I'm not sure if I burnt my tongue from drinking hot coffee… I doubt it. Usually it'll heal and be alright within the next few days. I can still taste my food which is a good thing…so far. If I ever lost my taste buds… noooo!!! My mouth does tend to be super super dry when I wake up in the morning, causing my teeth to stick to the walls of my mouth and leaving teeth imprints! Haha… I think that's kinda funny… but hmm, maybe it's not.
So I did an honorary google search for my condition. "Numb tongue" "Tingling tongue." There were many and varied responses as you would expect from our friend google.
#1. Paresthesia
Paresthesia is a term that refers to an abnormal burning or prickling sensation which is generally felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet, but may occur in any part of the body. The sensation, which arises spontaneously without apparent stimulus and is usually not painful, may also be described as tingling or numbness, skin crawling, buzzing, or itching. Most people have experienced transient (temporary) paresthesia at some time in their lives; it occurs whenever inadvertent pressure is placed on a nerve and causes what many describe as a "pins and needles" feeling. The feeling quickly goes away once the pressure is relieved. For some people, however, paresthesia can become a chronic condition caused by an underlying disorder.
Ook… it's not like I've got my tongue to a wall and have been applying pressure to it ok! My tongue has not been doing any funny business!
#2. Food Allergy
I've never had any food allergies since small… so I doubt this would be the case.
#3. Vitamin D Deficiency
Hmm.. Well I do sit in my little corner cubicle for 8 hours a day! The only time I'm out in the sun is early in the morning when I'm driving to work and walking to the office, and when I return to my car and drive home. On the weekends, I see lots of sunshine, but maybe it's not enough?
#4. Vitamin B Deficiency
Hmm… I take Vitamin B12 tablets everyday.
#5. Multiple Sclerosis
Ok that could be a bit extreme!
Maybe there is a serious underlying issue for the numb tongue! *gasp* I really hope it's nothing bad!!! I'm going to go see the doctor about it tomorrow, so pray it's nothing serious!
today...
@1:06 pm
bye bye~