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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: Unkown Burning and Tingling SensationsForum: Neurology Forum
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I am 19 years old and in the past 2 months I have developed a Tingling and Burning sensation. It gradually spread all over. It started on my upper lip and moved to the left side of my face. It then moved to the back of my head and now has spread through out my body. At times it can be unnoticable and at other times it becomes very storng, but it is constant. Every day I wake up and it is there, until I go to sleep at night. My doctor has ordered many tests such as blood tests, eye tests, and x-rays on my neck. I also had an MRI of my head. The MRI 's results were as follows: "One to two dozen scattered 1-3 mm areas of increased signal intensity involving the peripheral white matter of both frontal lobes. Exclusion of one or more of the lesions being of pathological nature can not be obtained on this examination. Changes secondary to previous vasculitis is remote consideration." Many blood tests have been done, and the results were normal except they found an anti-immunity disorder. More blood tests are to be taken. These sensations are in my eye, gums, tongue, lips, finger tips, ears, stomach, arms, legs, back and the strongest area is my head. The burning can get intense where it is irritating. This has caused emotional stress, and at times I cannot fall a sleep at night. The doctors have NO CLUE as to what it is, and they are sending me to an internal medicine doctor. Could this be my nerves relating to possible stress? I have begun to have headaches also. Can you please help me to find an answer to my problem. I am very desperate.
Dear Barbara: Your problem is not easy to diagnose without undergoing a rather long battery of tests. The possibilities raised are valid; besides lupus, I would also consider multiple sclerosis, sjogren's syndrome, vasculitis, and unusual viral and other infections such as lyme disease as other possibilities. Your further testing should likely include a spinal tap and an EMG test, and of course numerous blood tests. While it is quite possibility that these tests will turn out to be negative, it is important that the testing be done to rule out some of the more serious problems, because the can progress and potentially be disabling. In case you live near Cleveland, I recommend a second opinion at the neurology department at the Cleveland Clinic. An appointment can be made by calling (800)223-2273, or (216)444-5559.
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