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multiple white matter lesions with symptoms

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:23:30 GMT

Post neurology questions

Post subject : multiple white matter lesions with symptoms Hi, About 3 and a half years ago (I am currently 40) I began experiencing strange cognitive difficulties (word finding, understanding speech, processing information, memory, analytical skill reduction) this came with some depression, moderate to mild headaches and a weird tingling in my fingers and toes. I went through a battery of test, mri, blood tests for various diseases, lumbar puncture. All of which came out negative, except for the MRI which found 2 very small lesions. By this time my insurance was at a limit and the neurologist I was seeing concluded (due to the negative results of the lumbar puncture) that the symptoms were the result of stress (for which they put me on Cymbalta) and the lesions were from previous unknown trama. I accepted the diagnosis as the symptoms seemed to have faded for the most part . For the next three years I had minor episodes but never so severe or as prolonged as the first one. Again, I chalked it up to stress. However, Mid-September of 2011 I began have severe cognitive disfunction, much worse than before. Along with it came severe depression and fatigue, as well as irrational thoughts, the kind of which I had never experienced before. I felt extremely tired, I slept a least 12 hours a day and would take naps in between. It was hard to motivate myself to do anything. In addition to the mental issues and fatigue I had a tingling that started in the tip of my tongue that spread to the left side of my face by early November. Concerned I went to my Doctor who sent me to get an MRI immediately. The results indicated there were now 6 lesions and larger than before. They ran me through a battery of blood tests, included testing for lupus, syphilis, lyme, clotting agents...all came up negative except that I had a slightly elevated inflammatory response. They gave me a TEE to see if I could be throwing clots, which came up negative. And they gave me an MRA of the neck and head which also came up normal. I was again given a lumbar puncture which was again normal. Since this episode began I have experience the following symptoms other than the previously one mentioned. Many of them began around the beginning of December in a piecemeal fashion. *numbness/tingling in hands and feet as well as getting cold very easily. *numbness/tingling in my back on the right along the spine. *legs feel extra stiff and I feel like I am dragging them along when I run *I have little groups of muscles all over my body twitching for extended periods. *I lose my breath much more easily, and I can't run nearly as long I did just a few months ago. I get winded go up stairs or sometimes just standing up. *my blood pressure varies quite extremely *I get light headed when I stand. *my heart rate is constantly over 100bps, it was in the 70s before *I lose my balance when I stand still for a while...like in the shower...this is not from light headedness. *I urinate frequently *when I urinate, no matter how hard I try to push it out, I get a dribble afterwards I guess my question is this: What is gong on? My neurologist is sending me to a demyelination specialist and I have appointment at the end of next month (February). I thought due to the negative lumbar puncture (twice) that MS was eliminated. If that is the case what else could it be? I guess I am tired and frustrated and wanting something I can point to and say, "there, that is the cause." I know this is a bit irrational, but I am at my wits end. Thanks in advance! Statistics : 4 Replies || 51 Views Post by Marc

Re: multiple white matter lesions with symptoms

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:23:30 GMT

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Replies : Post subject : Re: multiple white matter lesions with symptoms The part where the neurologist checks your strength reflexes sensation etc Statistics : 4 Replies || 51 Views Last post by MG (Admin)

MRI, Subependymoma

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:21:04 GMT

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Post subject : MRI, Subependymoma Hello, After some strange symptoms: neuropathy in feet, slight postural tremor in hands, floaters (which my primary care dr. attributed to anxiety) After several months of this I finally had an MRI of the brain in which showed: a soft tissue mass at the apex of the fourth ventricle, predominantly intraventricular in location and partially w/in the vallecula. It indents or less likely invades the dorsal medulla, but there is no edema w/in the medulla and no hydrocephalus. Although nospecific, strongly suggest subependymoma. Measures aprox 13 x 12 x 13 mm. I already spoke w/one neurologist who dismissed this as an incidental finding (he would not even look at the MRI film) and did not think it could cause any symptoms. I was wondering, even if subependymomas are typically slow growing, 1. is it possible this grew more rapidly than usual and began causing symptoms seeing as it 'indents or invades the dorsal medulla' and although the neuroradiologist said subependymoma, I have read that these are quite hard if not impossible to distinguish in the 4th ventricle location between other tumors. Would you trust this diagnosis and just 'wait and see' or go get the opinion of another neurologist or neurosurgeon? Thank you very, very much for your help. Statistics : 1 Post || 12 Views Post by AaronNY

Arrhythmia caused by vagus nerve

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:10:16 GMT

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Post subject : Arrhythmia caused by vagus nerve I have had short arrhythmias that seem to be triggered by activity in my stomach or abdomen. These arrhythmias have become more frequent and longer lasting in the last few years. Events that seem to trigger the arrhythmia can be eating spicy food, an extended period of GERD, leaning forward for extended periods while working at my desk (crunching the abdomen), pulling on a wrench while working on my car, and even stretching. I believe that my vagus nerve gets extremely sensitive from time to time and gets irritated by the stomach or abdominal muscles. When the nerve is on edge I can feel pulsations about 1" above my navel. This can, but does not always, lead to arrhythmia. Once the arrhythmia starts there is nothing that I can do to stop it until it runs its course. I have had a stess test, heart ultrasound, etc. and my doctor says that my heart is fine. He said that the arrhythmia is an atrial flutter. It isn't a fun experience when I am having this because it limits my physical activity. So the question is, what is the next step to take? Should I see a neurologist, a gastro-intestinal specialist? Would vitamin B help calm this nerve? Could this be something else like a hietal hernia? Statistics : 52 Replies || 5329 Views Post by robb

Re: Arrhythmia caused by vagus nerve

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:10:16 GMT

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Replies : Post subject : Re: Arrhythmia caused by vagus nerve I cannot belive all that im reading. I 've been up since last night with all the said symthoms. Heart felt palputations, almmost like a heart muslce spasm. I hvea Gerd, which i was on Zegrid, Dexilant etc; took myself off of those due to the horricfic side effects that i've read about. I have had a EKG, and Echo cardigram, stress test ( two years ago) I wore an holter for 24 hrs. I can work out very hard, on the treadmill for 50 mintues with no issues. I have drastically cut down on all food intake i barely eat a lunch and practically no dinner, Until the next morning. How can someone live like this? I am so tired of all these symthoms that im reading, not being able to lay down, i have to sit up straight until i fall into a coma, cuase the palps are overwhelming. I ususaly will pass gas ( which is excessive for me ) from either end, and then the pressure is gone for a while. I've been so careful about what i eat and drink, the last cocktail i had was over three months ago, due to the vagus nerve irratation i had, it lasted all night. So now i had to cut all cafffine, choclate, spicy, and now it seems flour??? I cannot deal with this anymore. I wish someone could write me and tell me about a speicaiist that knows of what we're talking about. Now, as far as last night is conerned, i worked out in the am, a full hour of cardio, yoga, and sit ups ( this is where i felt that pressure and weird feeling in my upper abs), i ate a bake potatoe for lunch. For dinner i had a a peice of chicken, rice ( which is what i live on for the last four weeks i eat it alone with fruit or veggies) and some potatoes, BUT i put a can of tomatoes in the sauce whihc might have started the vagus nerve irratation. I went to GI and she tested me for celiacs. I tested a little out of a normal range. Which is why i no longer eat any gluten.. I am literally goign out of my mind. I was starting to take zanax. then i read that zanax also bothers the VN. So i stopped taking that.. I mean really? Come on I dont take any drugs. I would rather fix my problem wiht whole foods and natural stuff. The acid reflux i control with as needed basis.. now since last night? I went to the bathroom three times. ( again i dont know why when im not eating 800 calories a day) but i thought it was from being so anxiety ridden. I am so grateful that i read what all of you are going through. Please email me so we can chat and talk about our problems. I have made appts this morning for my neurologist, cardio, and GI.. lets see what they say.. ( LOL) Statistics : 52 Replies || 5329 Views Last post by EleanorE

Arachnoid Cyst not causing my symptoms?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:14:39 GMT

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Post subject : Arachnoid Cyst not causing my symptoms? I visited a neurologist recently with the following symptoms - dizziness (sometimes severe enough to cause nausea), occasionally feeling off balance, daily tremors, tingling-vibrating sensations in my feet and legs, sensations of internal tremors, constant low ringing in my ears, nystagmus primarily when I close my eyes, urge and stress incontinence (although not to the point I have accidents). None of these are debilitating, although they've been daily occurrences for the past year. Some have been present longer. The dizziness is what I find the most troublesome, as simple movements such as turning my head can bring it on, or a five minute car ride can provoke it, and if the dizziness persists, it affects my productivity. I also have severe unexplained fatigue at times. I can't really describe it, but it's certainly not connected to my level of activity or amount of sleep I've been getting. After examining me, the neurologist did not suspect anything "serious" but felt there was indeed something going on, so she ordered a brain and neck MRI. The results showed an Arachnoid Cyst at the rear of my brain, at the level of the brain stem, causing compression of the cerebellum. The neurologist thought this was good news as the MRI ruled out MS or other serious disease. She did not consider the Arachnoid Cyst to be of major concern, but referred me to a neurosurgeon for follow up, and encouraged me to seek a second opinion, particularly if surgery was recommended. The neurosurgeon said the cyst was not serious but that it should be checked annually with an MRI. He was ready to dismiss me, but when I asked if the cyst could be causing my symptoms, he said no, my symptoms are likely related to stress and anxiety. He then asked what symptom I am most bothered by (I answered the dizziness), and proceeded to write prescriptions for sulpride and tanganil and magnesium. At prompting from my original neurologist, he also said he'll do an EEG in several weeks after the medicines have had time to work and make me less "anxious." I am stunned that the very symptoms which warranted a brain MRI are now regarded as insignificant, as though I'm psychosomatic, and that a doctor can decide in 10 minutes without knowing a thing about my daily life that I am stressed enough to bring on this range of symptoms. I certainly don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill, but am I wrong in thinking the next step should have been an effort to find the causes of my symptoms? And is it really normal for a neurologist to say that a cyst can't be causing my kinds of neurological symptoms? I am female, 44, not overweight, and have always been active and in general good health. Statistics : 2 Post || 279 Views Post by amina

Re: Arachnoid Cyst not causing my symptoms?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:14:39 GMT

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Replies : Post subject : Re: Arachnoid Cyst not causing my symptoms? I recently had a seizure, and my mri revealed an arachnoid cyst in exactly the same location that you described. I also have all of the symptoms you described : dizziness, shaking and tremors, feeling off balance, difficulty speaking, extreme unexplained fatigue, although the ringing of the ears I only experienced during and after the seizure. I also got basically the same response from my neurologist. He said it was very common and basically acted as if it were no big deal, and told me to come back if experience anything else, and did absolutely nothing! I am now on edge just waiting on my next seizure and am wondering why nothing more was done to help me. But in relation to your question, seeing the similarities in the location of the cyst, and our symptoms, I think its pretty safe to say the cyst is to blame! Statistics : 2 Post || 279 Views Last post by Lindsey989

Chiari Malformation?

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:27:45 GMT

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Post subject : Chiari Malformation? I have been searching for an answer on why I am having these sudden neuro problems such as tinnitus, memory loss, brain fog, sensations throughout my body, tremors in hands, muscle weakness, twitches throughout body (especially my facial muscles), and visual issues (grainy vision like noise on film and object retention), teeth pain, and headaches. I posted this online and someone mentioned checking out Chiari Malformation. I have been to an LLMD, NEURO and DENTIST without diagnosis. I have checked my MRI but I really do not know what I am looking for so can someone interpret? This is indicative of CM? Statistics : 1 Post || 31 Views Post by srb226

Syrinx

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:38:41 GMT

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Post subject : Syrinx I have neurofibromatosis, scoliosis, chairi malformation and syringomyelia. I have had 2 fossa decompression surgeries which appeared to collapse the syrinx each time but each time the syrinx has returned. I have a VP shunt which is working correctly. I also have a large cyst in my neck. I went to see my neurosurgeon just after Christmas and she feels that my syrinx is so big now that they must do more surgery. The syrinx is now very wide and fills the width of my spinal cord. The syrinx is also quite long but they scans appear to show that there are several separate syrinx and my neuroconsultant is concerned about whether of not the separate syrinx are 'communicating' or not. The consultant says due to the size of the syrinx they are surprised I am not already paralyzed. I am having some symptoms in my arms and hands, stiffness, aches, clumsiness, difficulty with fine motor skills etc. My consultant wants to put a shunt in to my spinal cord into one of the syrinx to drain the syrinx, but if they are not connected and are not communicating then they will not all drain and the surgery will not be effective. I live in the UK and know she has sent my scans to lots of different consultants both in the UK and in other countries and no-one has any better suggestion than to do the shunt. If this does not work she has said there is nothing else they can do for me and I will probably end up paralyzed. She has said although she has done this type of shunt surgery before but that my case is very unusual and that no-one will really have come across this before or will have the perfect solution to my situation. I know without seeing my scans it is very difficult to give advise but I would like to know whether what my surgeon is suggesting is the right thing. Also, are there any neurosurgeons (anywhere in the world) who are experts on syrinx and may be able to advise my neurosurgeon. My neursurgeon is experienced and I do trust her but because this is such a serious situation and may lead to paralysis I want to check that there are no other, better, solutions out there. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks Andij Just a bit more information to clarify things. My MRI scan shows I have multiple syrinx in the cervical and thoracic spine with the presence of a cystic collection at the anterior craniocervical junction. The consultant feels the syrinx may be due to a combination of anteriorly placed cervical cyst along with tethering of the cord. They are suggesting I have a syringo subarachnoid shunt. Statistics : 1 Post || 26 Views Post by Andij

Can't figure this one out - strange neurological symptoms

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:24:55 GMT

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Post subject : Can't figure this one out - strange neurological symptoms Many thanks for reading first of all what is quite a long description – fair dues if you take the time, feel like I'm out of options if resorting to posting on internet, but anyway... Back in 2007, after perhaps six months of putting up with a slight shakiness in my hands, and my growing tendency to be clumsy, I went to see a neurologist. She carried out an MRI and a series of electrical tests– all negative. Figured I was just someone with shakey (shaky) hands. Fast forward four years. Around June 2011 I noticed an aching/seizing sensation in the muscles in my legs, generally only when walking downhill. Prior to this my hands had been getting wors. Saw my GP about this plus balance issues and again in August due to a noticeable deterioration.. On the same day after this visit (in which I was again referred to a neurologist) I found I could not stop my little toe (left foot) from twitching. This was followed by a sense of partial numbness in two toes (same foot) over the following days and general aching in my legs. I went to the A&E, and was given a basic response examination which apparently proved fine, though the doctor did identify the twitching as “fasciculations” but would not administer any more tests, explaining I needed to see a neurologist. I have felt increasingly unsteady on my feet. At times I feel felt like I can’t stand up for very long and both legs have been quite painful at times in terms of aching.The twitching spread to both feet eventually, although this symptom at least has faded completely in the last month, but it did continue on and off for months on end, often only noticeable at night when lying in bed. I still find it difficult to balance on one leg. I now feel weak constantly in my forearms – like it hurts slightly to keep them raised (e.g. talking on a phone for ten minutes can be a killer) and sometimes aches in both biceps when stationery. My finger tips feel a little numb when typing often, and my wrists sometimes quite immobile I have also had some aching in my joints. I occasionally get little twitches randomly. Lately I have just been in pain in all my limbs, on and off. Not strong enough to take painkillers usually, but just enough to remind me something is wrong. Anyway my second visit to the neurologist yielded another MRI in September 2011, which came back clean and referral for Electromyography (EMG)– he carried out a surface version and then also a limited muscle one (needles were inserted) – all normal. I am now due to go back to the original neurologist for review. All this would be fine and I guess I should take some consolation from the fact that I’ve been told two clean MRIs over 4 years likely rules out MS, and that a clean EMG indicates there is little likelihood of Motor Neurone Disease or Peripheral Neuropathy. However my major concern is that since October my eyesight has been off. It started off as feeling as if I could not focus quickly enough and as if my peripheral vision was off. I put this down to lifestyle as I do a lot of computer work etc. I went to my optician twice for some basic tests (the second time when I freaked out due to a large increase in “floaters” in one eye) – eyes turned out to be fine physically. So I’ve been trying to reduce this over usage. However it all came to a head the week before Christmas. Prior to this a new symptom had been a feeling of “sea-sickness” when I followed something moving quickly with my eyes – it’s as if they need a second or two longer to adjust. I had noticed that my eyes were getting quiet sensitive to light and everything seemed a bit darker than usual. I went to visit a friend abroad the weekend after Christmas, and noticed in a panic that everything was a few levels too dark! To boot the aches and twitches in my arms and legs were in overdrive. Went to A&E where they examined me fully – my eyes again appeared physically fine. I did fail a few of the basic response tests (e.g. walking foot to opposite heel). I was told to return to my neurologist. On the plane home the light deterioration was frighteningly noticeable. At one stage I woke up and everything was so dim. I presumed cabin lights were dim. Then the voice over the intercom said “Lights dimming to land” and everything went down further again! Went to my GP, who first sent me to my optician for the third time, rather than subjecting me to a long wait in casualty. Again eyes tested normally physically, but I was sent on to Eye Casualty for more precise tests. Again all normal. I asked them what I should do if everything continued to darken, and they agreed to book me in for a VEP (Visual Evoked Potential Test). I have this in about ten days. In the meantime everything is essentially far too dark most of the time and my eyes throb with pain now faily, in the early onset it felt as if pressure was building behind them majorly, now each socket hurts at different times on and off; I have no problem in seeing reading/it’s just too dark compared to what is normal. But I’ve freaked myself out so much about it now; it’s hard to remember what was normal. In terms of the normal blood tests etc. had these tested several times over past six months – all normal (though not tested for heavy metals). I also asked for acancthocytes to be tested for – normal. The neurologist also asked for the testing of a particular protein in the blood, which if present means muscle may be breaking down – normal. I take B-Vitamins, Omega supplements, etc. For the last week I’ve been taking supplements to boost eyesight (e.g. lutein, bilberries etc shot in the dark really). In terms of lifestyle, I am a big drinker) and smoker, but have cut both out to see if this makes any difference. I am not on medication or a recreational drug user. I do have terrible trouble with sleep, have not slept proper 8 hours in what seems like years, my regular sleep would be 4-5 hours, or else crashing out at like 2/3 am when I switch off and sleeping for 10-12 hours but waking up feeling like crap. There is no history of neurological conditions, bar one person with Parkinson’s, but that was after 40 years of medication. I do not know which worries me more – the upcoming VEP (which I may be putting too much faith in to diagnose anything not sure how precise it is anyway or is it just an indicator), or nobody finding anything and my still being stuck with all this and worsening. I am half crazed from worry, from thinking it is something very serious that is deteriorating (particularly eyesight!), to guessing at ME or some sort of immune condition or nutritional deficiency. Someone gave me some good advice as to what I can do in short-term, keep following these people up, stay off alcohol and cigarettes, and do something like swimming to relive stress so starting to do this. Anyway I guess I want to ask what I should do next –is there anything else I should be doing or asking for, so I can be primed when I see neurologist? I have asked my GP for a referral to a consultant opthamologist also, waiting on this. Also several people have pointed out how all this could be caused by hypochondria – I have been guilty of this in past and fully accept it is a possibility, but at same time it is difficult to see how it could be given the symptoms that are very physically real to me. If nothing else this let me get it off my chest a while! Thanks for sticking with this and reading, any advice appreciated. Statistics : 5 Replies || 63 Views Post by luckoftheirish85

Re: Can't figure this one out - strange neurological symptoms

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:24:55 GMT

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Replies : Post subject : Re: Can't figure this one out - strange neurological symptoms Hi - you mean somatisation? Well I've been very stressed and sleep deprived for years now, defo find after worse sleep other symptoms (bar eyes) are worse - testing this theory out with eyes though. Psychological issues - yes I've had problems around depression which I've been seeing a counsellor for. Actually managed to swing an appointment with my neurologist this week and have the VEP next week so will update then. Thanks for your help todate Statistics : 5 Replies || 63 Views Last post by luckoftheirish85

Weird Nervous System

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:20:09 GMT

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Post subject : Weird Nervous System When I was ten days old, I was started on phenobarbital in my formula due to being given orange juice and having blood in my stool. My mother said I had a nervous stomach. This continued for the first year of my life. Is there a good possibility that this could have caused many of the problems I have experienced nervous system wise? Small fiber neuropathy, Raynaud's, dysautonomia, white matter lesions in the brain, demyelinization on both pathways to the optic nerve, occipital neuralgia, muscle weakness, etc. Statistics : 3 Replies || 35 Views Post by FeatherMe

Re: Weird Nervous System

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:20:09 GMT

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Replies : Post subject : Re: Weird Nervous System Not according to what I was told.My mother had problems and I think the phenobarbitol was more for her benefit. Statistics : 3 Replies || 35 Views Last post by FeatherMe

I need intrepretation of my MRI results

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:24:43 GMT

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Post subject : I need intrepretation of my MRI results Hello ATN, I need your help with interpreting my MRI results. I was shot in the head when I was a child. I didn't know this until this year. When I had my MRI done in 2010 the doctor didn't want to tell me what had really happened to me because I hadn't remembered it yet, but now I know the full story and it took everything out of me to get the answers. Now I need help with the last part: I want to know what the real damage is to my brain! I need to know this because my government is refusing to help me with my disability claim and I can't proceed if I don't know the actual damage to my brain. I promise to make a donation to this site if I get some useful answers! I have attached a link to a ISO image copy of the MRI image CD. The viewing program did not run properly with a simple file copy so I coped the whole CD with Daemon Tools. A program such as Daemon Tools or similar is required to open and mount an ISO file. The file is 75 megabytes in size and will not take long to download for most people with most Internet connections. http://www.4shared.com/file/eCFJD6tx/MRI.html http://www.daemon-tools.cc <-- Program to mount and use ISO images but there are many others that will work as well. Picture of the entry wound site: http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/mrientrywound.jpg/ Okay, I think that is everything. Hopefully someone is willing to help me figure out what I should already know. Sean Statistics : 4 Replies || 49 Views Post by smartinez79

Re: I need intrepretation of my MRI results

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:24:43 GMT

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Replies : Post subject : Re: I need intrepretation of my MRI results Dear Sean, We do not make a habit of downloading entire MRI studies in this way; we prefer a couple of representative images to be posted..... however your story made me curious so I took a look. The MRI shows a very small "hole" in the white matter of the right hemisphere...I would not have put a bullet wound high on the list of possibilities especially as the surrounding brain looks normal...I am quite surprised by the fact that a bullet caused this! In any case, an MRI cannot tell us what kind of functions if any were affected by this. It could very well be that absolutely no problems remain from this whilst on the other hand some neuropsychological issues may be present. The only way to really figure out whether any functions have been affected is to get detailed neuropsychological testing with a competent neuropsychologist. Hope that helps Statistics : 4 Replies || 49 Views Last post by MG (Admin)

spinal cord stimulator

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:59:10 GMT

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Post subject : spinal cord stimulator I had a week's trial with a spinal cord stimulator. It seemed to work. The implant was cancelled because I am allergic to MAC anesthesia. Isn't there some other kind of anesthesia that can do the job? Statistics : 5 Replies || 67 Views Post by FeatherMe

Re: spinal cord stimulator

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:59:10 GMT

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Replies : Post subject : Re: spinal cord stimulator Yes, however, some did last longer than others. I am now scheduled for general anesthesia in the beginning of Feb. A paddle will be put in which should help keep things in place better. I am not looking forward to the pain the surgeon kept telling me about as far as the surgery is concerned. I surely hope the results turn out as well as the trial. I have a GI doc waiting to do some procedures to see what the outcome of this surgery will be regarding the MAC. Guess he can count those goodby! I have had two recent experiences where doctors have given me things they know I am allergic to. I will be hyper vigilant in the future and any dumb tales that this injection with an ice pack will stay localized is a bunch of hooey! Any idea what caused the garbled speech from the versed? FeatherMe Statistics : 5 Replies || 67 Views Last post by FeatherMe

23/F: severe tremors and full-body muscle spasms

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:59:53 GMT

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Post subject : 23/F: severe tremors and full-body muscle spasms Sincerest apologies for the long-windedness of this inquiry; I'm not entirely sure what tidbits of my medical history may be significant to what I'm currently experiencing, so I'll include that which stands out in my mind as being possibly interrelated. I am a 23 year old female in generally good health (no diagnosed chronic conditions aside from persistent mental health issues, i.e. bouts of severe depression and general anxiety disorder for much of my adult life.) Though I have had a slight tremor in my hands since I was young, and have experienced chronic migraines (between 15x/month to once every 3 months) since the age of 16, the same age my mother started getting them. Within the last year and a half I have started getting muscle spasms throughout my body - often in my neck so that my head will jerk suddenly, in my upper thigh above my patella, in my calf so that my foot will jerk up, in my shoulders, and occasionally my torso. I am unable to stand or sit fully still and must shift around a great deal (switching hips and crossing legs while sitting and standing). I also twitch/jump when touched or brushed up against. For a while I thought it was psychological and that I was only perceiving physical movement, but I have observed myself in a mirror to confirm its existence. Considering anxiety as one potential cause, I have tried controlled movements of tension and relaxation such as squeezing my fists and releasing, breath control, and flexing and pointing my foot, but the twitches continue and seem to be entirely somatic. The only thing that provides some slight relief of their frequency (about every 3 seconds to 1 minute) and severity (barely noticeable to others to so intense that my whole body jerks) is rolling my ankles feverishly and constantly, though they do occur when I'm doing this. My tremor has worsened a great deal, to the point that it has caused me to drop a scalding hot tea kettle on my foot and I now have difficulty reaching out and grabbing items, especially small ones. I have also noticed a slight drooping of my left eye and the drooping of my bottom lip to the left. I have extreme issues with short-term memory, but this may be due to attention deficit disorder that I was diagnosed with at 12. There are a few clinically significant things I must add that may be somehow connected -- in 2009 I spent 5 months studying abroad in a multitude of countries in Africa and Southeast Asia. I received the proper vaccinations prior to going and took deoxycycline for prevention of malaria. I do not remember experiencing any of these symptoms (aside from very slight tremor and chronic migraines) prior to or during this period, but I cannot remember how long after returning that I started noticing them (though it was no longer than 8 months). I have been on-and-off a variety of anti-depressants (lexapro et al), anti-anxiety medications (citalopram et al), and ADD medications (strattera, ritalin, adderall et al) for many years. Other than prescriptions, I do not use drugs with the exception of daily marijuana use. I do not believe the marijuana exacerbates the spasms, though it does make me more aware and self-conscious of them. If any of this adds up to you, I plead with you to help me understand what is going on inside me. I have become increasingly fearful within the last 6 months as my condition has gotten more and more debilitating. Statistics : 1 Post || 15 Views Post by quinn_zz

Can't stop humming

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:10:55 GMT

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Post subject : Can't stop humming i get a lot of complaints from my supervisor and co workers about my constant humming. I don't even realize I'm doing it. Can there be a neurological cause to constant, non intentional humming? I have a few other unresolved problems, such as O.N., occasional nystagmus, and tingling and weakness. But my MRI is okay except for an empty sella. Statistics : 16 Replies || 1832 Views Post by DejahThoris

Re: Can't stop humming

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:10:55 GMT

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Replies : Post subject : Re: Can't stop humming Dear Jean Marie, I have the very same problem with humming. Have you found any answers since registering on this website? I'm beginning to worry because I see I'm not the only person with this habit. It is driving me NUTS. Thank you for any helpful links, etc. Julie Statistics : 16 Replies || 1832 Views Last post by onememory2

EEG result- Diffuse Irritative Focus

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:47:57 GMT

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Post subject : EEG result- Diffuse Irritative Focus Hello, I'm a 23-year old female, and I had an awake EEG. The result: "Diffuse Irritative Focus". What does it mean? I have an appoitment with my doctor but I'll have to wait a month! And I'm really anxious to know what it is that I might have. Thanks! Statistics : 2 Post || 17 Views Post by ju.vianna

Re: EEG result- Diffuse Irritative Focus

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:47:57 GMT

Post neurology questions

Replies : Post subject : Re: EEG result- Diffuse Irritative Focus Could you write out the full report? Why were you sent for this? Statistics : 2 Post || 17 Views Last post by MG (Admin)

Inability to taste and whole body numbness

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:50:58 GMT

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Post subject : Inability to taste and whole body numbness From early September through mid November, I was unable to taste and I had a slight numbness throughout my entire body. One day I woke up with a numbness in my mouth. By afternoon, it had spread throughout my body. It was not a tingling feeling, but like my skin was a little less sensitive. A doctor poked my skin in various places, and I was able to feel them all. If I pinched my skin, though, I couldn't feel the pain. I could not taste at all, but I could smell fine. In mid November, the taste came back and the numbness went away. I feel completely fine. Does anyone have any idea why I couldn't taste for 2 and a half months? The only medication I take is for hypothyroidism (synthyroid), but my doctors say everything is fine with my thyroid levels right now. I'm 28 years old and don't have a history of any serious illnesses Statistics : 1 Post || 22 Views Post by IceSkate

severe memory loss after knee replacement surgery

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:42:14 GMT

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Post subject : severe memory loss after knee replacement surgery 6 weeks ago my father underwent knee replacement surgery. He is 75 years old and prior to the surgery he was physically and mentally active. He is an engineer and an inventor. He loves to read and continues to educate himself daily. For the past 6 years he has been working with Texas A and M to build a research center in Costa Rica on rain forest property that he donated to the college he loves. He has been spending months each year to help create a facility with leading scientists from around the world and wonderful dorm facilities for students. This has been his pride and joy, the legacy he wants to leave his children, grandchildren... Since the surgery he has no recollection of this project unless prompted and even then it is clear he does not actually recall what has become his lifes work. This is just one example of a brilliant man who literally changed overnight. We are working on a process of elimination -- possible infections, medication issues and he had a catscan today. He knows he is having memory problems and is now dealing with the onset of severe depression. I know a stroke is a possibility but since it has now been 6 weeks I am concerned about the recovery of his memory if this is the case. My daughter had a stroke at age 19 during a brain procedure on an AVM. This occurred during the during the catheter embolization. They told me she was just needed more time to recover from the anaestesia but more than 24 hours after surgery they informed me she had a stroke. She is young and was fortunate enough to have almost a total recovery. I feel lost, scared and frustrated. Could you please give me advice on further action and the possibility that this memory loss may be permanent or the possibiliy it is temporary-- what can I do to be proactive while waiting for results (memory exorcises, physical exercises?) I would appreciate any information you can offer. Thank you so much, Karen Statistics : 8 Replies || 1522 Views Post by cowgirlk

Re: severe memory loss after knee replacement surgery

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:42:14 GMT

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Replies : Post subject : Re: severe memory loss after knee replacement surgery Knee arthroscopy is one of the most frequently used procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries. If you are suffering from knee pain then go for Knee replacement surgery. There may be chances of memory loss after a Knee replacement surgery but it always not happens. The surgeons should be careful during this knee replacement surgery. So that noone will face any problem of memory loss after this surgery. http://www.kneeandhipsurgery.com Statistics : 8 Replies || 1522 Views Last post by richardhook