Numbness, also called paresthesias medically, describes the loss of feeling
in the body which most often happens in the fingers, hands, arms, feet and legs.
Sometimes, it can be a symptoms of a serious disease or condition. People with
Kidney Failure may experience numbness around the mouth. What's the reason?
The renal systemic, meaning kidneys, play an important role in the regulation
of fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes referred to charged particles involved
in the transmission of impulses in nerve and muscles. The major electrolytes in
our body include calcium, sodium, potassium, etc. When the kidneys fail,
electrolyte imbalance will occur, leading to symptoms in various organ
systems.
Actually, numbness around mouth is the result of electrolytic imbalance due
to a low calcium level in the blood. Besides, people may have numbness or
tingling in the fingers and toes. These abnormal sensations may precede or
present along with muscle spasms or weakness.
Apart from numbness around the mouth, what other problems will you have with
electrolyte imbalance in Kidney Failure?
* Hyperkalemia, or potassium builds up in the blood, can lead to abdominal
cramping, tiredness, muscle weakness or paralysis. In severe cases, cardiac
arrest may appear.
* Hypernatremia, or too much sodium in the blood, will result in high blood
pressure, weakness, muscle twitching, and disorientation.
* Hypermagnesemia, or excessive magnesium in the bloodstream will cause blood
pressure drops, heart rate slow down, etc. In serious condition, coma and
cardiac arrest can present.
* Low calcium levels cause muscle spasms, seizures and abnormal heart
rhythms.
Is there any effective treatment?
Fixing the underlying problem is the primary treatment goal, which is the
kidney failure. Once the underlying cause of Renal Failure is treated, symptoms
of electrolyte imbalance will disappear naturally.
In 2012, the latest treatment for this condition is called Immunotherapy. For
detailed understanding, please refer to "Treat Renal Failure with the Most
Advanced Immunotherapy"