I have a strange problem. When I get upset the tips of some of my fingers and the top of my ears seem to lose their blood supply. What could be causing this?
It sounds like you could have a condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon. This is a condition where cold temperatures or strong emotions can cause blood vessel spasms that block blood flow to the fingers, toes, ears and nose. When it occurs without any associated illness it is known as primary Raynaud’s phenomenon. This type is most often seen in people younger than 30.
However, where it occurs in conjunction with another condition, it is called secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon. This type is more prevalent in those over the age of 30.
Common causes of secondary Raynaud’s include arthritis, autoimmune disease and disease of the arteries such as artherosclerosis. Medications which cause narrowing of arteries can also cause it, as can the repeated movements associated with typing or playing the piano.
Smoking, frostbite and a condition called thoracic outlet syndrome can also be associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Are the symptoms I experience usual?
In Raynaud’s the fingers, toes, ears or nose initially become white and then turn blue. When the blood flow returns, the affected area becomes red. It can be some time before the area returns to its normal colour. Attacks can last from minutes to hours. In primary Raynaud’s phenomenon, where there is no other cause or condition, the problem tends to affect the same fingers on both sides, with little associated pain.
Where the condition is associated with another medical condition, pain is usually experienced in different fingers and there is often associated pain and tingling. As well as a range of different blood tests used to diagnose autoimmune and arthritic disease, you may have to have other tests performed including a vascular ultrasound and a cold stimulation test.
Is there anything I can do to stop this happening?
Simple lifestyle changes may help. These include giving up cigarettes, avoiding caffeine and avoiding exposure to cold temperatures.
Treatment of the underlying cause, if known, is usually required. If you are taking medication that causes tightening or spasm of the blood vessels, your doctor may stop them or, where possible, prescribe an alternative. Medications that relax the walls of the blood vessels may also be prescribed.
