HomeAnswersNeurologyburning sensationWhat causes crawling and burning sensation on the hands and feet of a diabetic patient?

My diabetic wife gets a crawling and burning sensation in her left forehand. Please help.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At December 31, 2020
Reviewed AtDecember 31, 2020

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My wife is 70 years old. She has type II diabetes for 17 years. She takes Glycomet 500 mg twice a day and no insulin. Her glucose levels are always within normal levels. Her HbA1c is 6. In all these 17 years, her HbA1c never crossed 6.5 but oscillated between 5.4 to 6.4.

Of late, for a few days, she is experiencing the crawling sensation like ants moving, itching, and burning sensation sometimes in her left forehand. She gets this sensation during the day often. Her grip on both hands are good. She also has cervical spondylosis for 30 years, and at times, it gives trouble. She takes Stugeron plus, and then it subsides. Now she has left shoulder pain and does exercise.

My physician prescribed Myelogen forte for a month, and she completed only one week's dose. I request you to assess and advise the reason for her crawling sensation, burning, and itching. Is it due to peripheral neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy because of her long-standing diabetes though under control? Or does it relate to any other problem in the nervous system? Kindly suggest a good medicine if you think this Meylogen forte is not useful.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The facts are that she has diabetes for 16 years and is well controlled. She has long-standing cervical spondylitis. There are pain and burning sensation in the left forehand only. Diabetic Nephropathy causes various types of neuropathy, most commonly distal motor sensory neuropathy, which is symmetrical.

Your wife is having asymmetrical symptoms on the one hand. This is more likely to be due to disc prolapse. Furter review of the retina by an eye specialist for DM's effects will also help as diabetic retinopathy frequently accompanies diabetic neuropathy. To me, it appears disc prolapse, which can be tackled.

Investigations to be done

Eye exam for retinopathy.

Treatment plan

Tablet Pregabalin 75 mg BD. Neck muscle exercises for spondylosis after burning setteles down.

Regarding follow up

Review after 10 days.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Does this crawling sensation and itching also because of this? I hope with this Pregabalin the problems will be solved. Kindly advise.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, these symptoms should also respond. But as a caution, I must tell you that it is a step ladderway. This is the first step, and if this does not improve, I will increase her dosage or add another drug.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Abhaya Kant Tewari
Dr. Abhaya Kant Tewari

Neurology

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