Ask The Neurologist .Com - Digest

L4/L5 nerve root compression

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:07:43 GMT

Neurologist?....start here!

Post subject : L4/L5 nerve root compression Hi my name is Disha aged 29. I had slip disc problem in 2003 in L4 and L4 and it was cured with bed rest. Now since last 4 months i m suffering from left foot pain. I feel heavyness and burning in the feet area. I have consulted neurologist who has suggested me bed rest and given me some medicine. I have consulted a neurosurgeon too and he is suggesting surgery because of foot drop. What should I do in this condition? more ... Statistics : 1 Post || 22 Views Post by Dishaailani@gmail.com

multiple white matter lesions with symptoms

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:23:30 GMT

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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! more ... Statistics : 4 Replies || 51 Views Post by Marc

Re: multiple white matter lesions with symptoms

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:23:30 GMT

Post neurology questions

Replies : Post subject : Re: multiple white matter lesions with symptoms The part where the neurologist checks your strength reflexes sensation etc more ... 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. more ... Statistics : 1 Post || 12 Views Post by AaronNY

Going on 8 months of constant problems

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:15:49 GMT

Vertigo and dizziness

Post subject : Going on 8 months of constant problems Hello, I am a seemingly healthy 28 year old man. On August 15th of last year I started experiencing dizziness. This, and I can't be more emphatic about this, has been constant ever since. It is not room spinning, the best way I can describe it is it feels like I'm wearing a glasses prescription that is slightly off. When this first started occurring I was unable to leave my house. Upon going to a general practice doctor he said, "it's probably an ear infection" and gave me antibiotics. These did not work. Weeks went by without my condition improving. Also during this time I would have occasional numbness spreading from my neck through my head and to my forehead. One day I felt so bad I went to the emergency room and they did a bloodwork and a ct of my head which both came back fine. I then went to an ear specialist who dismissed the numbness and said he believed I had a condition called BPPV. I was given exercises to fix the problem. They did nothing. After looking into it I saw that BPPV is a condition that occurs for a few seconds at different times. I again explained to the DR. that it was not temporary, it is constant from waking to sleeping. Around this time I was rubbing my upper neck as it was quite tense, and the right side of my neck where the spine meets the head swelled about two inches. I have for years suffered from bruxism which has led to a lot of tension in my neck and back. I explained this to the ear doctor, who dismissed it and ordered more audio tests which also came back fine. He then ordered an MRI on my brain. Again, everything was fine. I then went to a neurologist. By this point the numbness was almost constant and the dizziness would get better or worse based on how bad my neck was. The Neurologist said I was just stressed by the dizziness and said she believed I had Labyrinthitis. She sent me to a physical therapist who was an expert at treating labyrinthitis. She also sent me to another pt for neck spasms. After a lot of treatment for Labyrinthitis the PT decided she didn't believe I had it. The PT for my neck was helpful and the numbness decreased for a few days after each appointment. However, it never went away and the pt(which my insurance does not cover) had led me to over $1000 in bills for PT alone. So, I had to stop. She recommended I start going to a gym and try strengthening my neck and back. I have. I also went back to my Neurologist and finally convinced her to take an MRI of my neck and back. The MRI showed that a have a few bulging discs but not bulging enough that it is out of the ordinary. It also showed on my MRI that my back and neck were in extreme spasm. Her recommendation was a pain specialist. He recommended a steroid injection into the spine in the area of the bulging discs. This was done. It had no affect. In the mean time I have had my eyes checked, seen accupuncturists, chiropractors, and counselors who have put me on anti-anxiety medication to try to calm my back issues. None of these have really helped. Now, when I wake up the numbness will start within an hour of waking and still leaves me slightly dizzy and it almost feels like a numb pressure on my eyelids. I have a feeling that this has nothing to do with the bulging disc. The worse the bruxism is the worse I feel. This affects everything I do. I am simply miserable and can't really take much more emotionally. If you have any advice or comments it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks erin matthew haines more ... Statistics : 28 Replies || 3117 Views Post by alias19

Re: Going on 8 months of constant problems

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:15:49 GMT

Vertigo and dizziness

Replies : Post subject : Re: Going on 8 months of constant problems Saw my Mayo Clinic neurologist yesterday after 5 months of waiting for my appointment. Basically kicked me to the curb with a recommendation for Neurontin to stop the 'cycle'. Says there is nothing serious going on, figures I had a virus that did some damage to my inner ear and my brain has not adjusted to my new 'norm'. I passed all his strength, balance and vertigo tests. MRI is clean except for a few non-specific white spots. My next thought is having my hormone levels tested as one last shot. I know I have low estrogen as when I go off my BC pills, I have all kinds of hot flashes and headaches. I am 48, so I am sure I am at the very least pre menopausal. Also going to the same Naturopath for food allergy testing. I am allergic to everything else in the world, so I guess I should check which foods I should be avoiding also. more ... Statistics : 28 Replies || 3117 Views Last post by mafixit

Episodes of problems walking and balancing

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:54:59 GMT

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and related conditions

Post subject : Episodes of problems walking and balancing Hi, Since August I have had four or five episodes where I have trouble walking. It's hard to describe what happens, but when I try to walk it feels like my knees are giving out so I end up walking with my knees pressed together. I also feel like I'm going to fall over and have to hug the walls. If I walk too long like this I eventually end up bent over. There's no pain, it's just a feeling of weakness. At first this would last for a day or two and then stop. This past week it happened again and lasted four days consecutively. At the start of the most recent episode I was also extremely tired, not like I wanted to sleep but that I just couldn't get up off the couch. It's been about a week and the walking has returned to normal, I'm starting to feel less tired but I have pain in my ribs and on my spine (at the same level as the rib pain). I have rheumatoid arthritis (diagnosed last year in September) and the rheumatologist saw me walking like this last week. He was concerned and ordered lots of blood tests and a neck x-ray. The x-ray showed mild arthritis of the C4-C5 and the blood tests were all normal. I know he tested for lupus but I'm not sure what else. He said he didn't think I have MS but referred me to a neurologist where I have an appointment next week. I'm just wondering whether this could be anything besides MS? Why would a gait disturbance like this be intermittent? It seems like if something was wrong causing me to walk this way that I would always be unable to walk but I really don't know. Thanks in advance for your help. more ... Statistics : 1 Post || 14 Views Post by HeatherinVA

New here - Severe Dizzy Spells been happening for over a yea

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:29:29 GMT

Vertigo and dizziness

Post subject : New here - Severe Dizzy Spells been happening for over a yea Hi everyone I am new here. I have never really posted anywhere but I am desperate for help ASAP. My symptoms started over a year ago. Just came out of the clear blue one day. My main symptom is dizziness. What's so strange abut my dizziness is that it lasts seconds. When I say seconds I don't mean 30 seconds like bppv - I am talking about a dizziness that lasts a second or 2 tops. It comes and goes so fast in the matter of a blink of an eye. It often leaves me with a foggy headed kind of feeling that I have trouble explaining. I have had an MRI done and they saw nothing. I have been to an ENT and he did not see anything wrong. I have been to a cardiologist and nothing. I also went to have my eye checks and everyhing was fine there too. I am 27 years old and other than this I am healthy. Another strange thing I have noticed about my dizziness is that - I just had a baby and during my 9 months of pregnancy it was gone. I stopped getting dizzy. If I got it once or twice that was it. Then right after I had the baby within days the dizziness started setting in again and now it is back full swing. Can anyone please help or perhaps point me in the right direction. I don't know what else to do anymore. Thank you. more ... Statistics : 1 Post || 9 Views Post by GinaLanzino

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? more ... Statistics : 52 Replies || 5328 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) more ... Statistics : 52 Replies || 5328 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. more ... 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! more ... Statistics : 2 Post || 279 Views Last post by Lindsey989

Hemicrania Continua; ONS & Occipital Nerve Block

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:45:33 GMT

Help my headaches

Post subject : Hemicrania Continua; ONS & Occipital Nerve Block Hi, I am a 19 year old female who was dx with Hemicrania Continua about a year and a half ago. Since then I have been on Indomethacin with complete relief from my headaches. I take Indomethacin 50mg three times a day with meals. I also take Omeprazole 20mg 1x a day and Zantac 150mg 3x a day to try and protect my stomach from the Indomethacin (I have a hard time tolerating NSAIDs). My neuro is trying to get me off the Indomethacin, and we have tried slowly lowering the dose but it hasn't worked. Everytime I try to step down to taking it twice a day my headaches come back. All of the other medications that can sometimes work for Hemicrania Continua (at least the ones my neuro knows of) I have already been on before the Indomethacin and they did not work. I decided to do some research on my own and did a pubmed search. I found a study done with Occipital Nerve Stimulators, that seemed to be promising (however, the study was hard to understand and perhaps I misunderstood it). The study was done with people with other types of headaches as well, and it didn't say which types of headaches had relief with the ONS. This made me wonder if I would be a candiate for something like this, afterall I am young and who knows how long I will be able to put up with the Indomethacin. However, I did have a Occipital Nerve Block done and experience no relief with it. Are the nerve block and ONS similar, or are they different things? Does the fact that I had no relief with the nerve block mean that the ONS wouldn't work either? Is there anything else that you know of to work for Hemicrania Contiua? Thanks so much!! Jess more ... Statistics : 11 Replies || 1266 Views Post by Jess

Re: Hemicrania Continua; ONS & Occipital Nerve Block

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:45:33 GMT

Help my headaches

Replies : Post subject : Re: Hemicrania Continua; ONS & Occipital Nerve Block Hi All, I have information to share - for me a cure! I am a 68 year old male and was diagnosed with HC 6 years ago. I suffered intense, unremitting headaches over my right eye almost 24/7. My specialist recommend the usual course of action, indomethacin. For me it worked, confirming the diagnosis, but unfortunately my stomach could not tolerate it. I was switched to Celebrex, it worked, but I could not tolerate it either so I was back to square one. About 4 months ago I discovered a post on line recommending 3 mg of melatonin nightly. I figured it was worth a try, at least I would sleep well. Not only did my sleep improve, the headaches are about 95% GONE! The other 5% is either a) alcohol induced - I still can't resist the occasional cocktail or glass of wine or b) normal tension related headache. However, the unremitting throb over my right eye is gone - and this is the only thing I am using except for an occasional Excedrin to deal with the 5% remaining. Bottom line is that I highly recommend melatonin to anyone suffering from HC - it is at least worth a try. PS. I can directly predict that I WILL get a headache 2-3 hours after having a drink. more ... Statistics : 11 Replies || 1266 Views Last post by hjs

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? more ... Statistics : 1 Post || 30 Views Post by srb226

What is wrong with me

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:59:52 GMT

Movement disorders

Post subject : What is wrong with me Doctor; I am a 41 year old man with carbon monoxide induced lesions to gpi and gpe - bilaterally. Classic case, right? Until I tell you that the trauma took place 23 years ago; that I improved for about the first three years, then started to regress; that up until 11 or so years ago, I was able to ambulate by myself, unassisted, but now, crawl around the house and am pretty much confined to a wheelchair in public. The dysarthria gets a little worse every year. I am becoming weaker by the month. I have been told that I have Parkinson's syndrome from the beginning. However, symptoms now feel like ALS, or at least what I imagine ALS to feel like. I know that I have bad dystonia secondary to the PD diagnosis. I am extremely thin and losing weight, 5 ft. 9in. 153 lbs. What could be happening in my brain or body to cause such a horrible condition? more ... Statistics : 3 Replies || 30 Views Post by jdroli1070

Re: What is wrong with me

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:59:52 GMT

Movement disorders

Replies : Post subject : Re: What is wrong with me I do have the details of my most recent exam. The problem is that I live in Racine, WI. and the hospital here is a monopoly, and therefore I am forced to see one of a very limited number of neurologists. The one that I see is an expert in epilepsy, i.e. she doesn't even know the Parkinson's rating scales. All the report says is that "Spasticity remains severe and dysarthria continues to worsen. Have suggested increasing Klonopin due to anxiety and insomnia, but patient refuses due to constipation. Patient remains depressed, but this is being managed with Wellbutrin. Follow up in 3 months." I'm not sure what that explains, but that is the extent of most of my appointments. more ... Statistics : 3 Replies || 30 Views Last post by jdroli1070

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. more ... 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. ... more ... Statistics : 5 Replies || 62 Views Post by luckoftheirish85

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

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:24:55 GMT

Post neurology questions

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 more ... Statistics : 5 Replies || 62 Views Last post by luckoftheirish85

Encephalitis or Epilepsy

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:32:12 GMT

Meningitis and encephalitis

Post subject : Encephalitis or Epilepsy Can anyone tell me the differences between encephalitis and epilepsy, please? One GP - who saw me when I was ill - thought I had encephalitis; another GP - who didn't see me when I was ill - said it was epilepsy!!! more ... Statistics : 4 Replies || 1009 Views Post by Ruthie468

Re: Encephalitis or Epilepsy

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:32:12 GMT

Meningitis and encephalitis

Replies : Post subject : Re: Encephalitis or Epilepsy Nice explanation.... Alex Wright more ... Statistics : 4 Replies || 1009 Views Last post by alexwright1971

Weird Nervous System

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:20:09 GMT

Post neurology questions

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. more ... Statistics : 3 Replies || 35 Views Post by FeatherMe

Re: Weird Nervous System

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:20:09 GMT

Post neurology questions

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. more ... Statistics : 3 Replies || 35 Views Last post by FeatherMe