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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Atrophy
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Atrophy
by Nathan Hale, Oct 13, 1999 12:00AM
How long in general does it take for weakness to result in muscle atrophy? I have been diagnosed with sub-acute Guillain-Barre but I believe my doctors aren't quite sure of the diagnosis. My original symptoms were weakness in my hands, legs, feet, and voice. My strength increased some about two months into the illness, but I am now seeing atrophy in my hands and feet three months in. Does atrophy take a while to show up or have I perhaps been misdiagnosed?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Oct 13, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Richard:
The polyneuropathy of GBS usually give some degree of muscle atrophy as the nerves have been affected by the demyelination process. In addition, you have used these muscles less than before so there is a component of disuse atrophy occuring also. As the disease resolves, you should regain your muscle bulk as you exercise and get back to a normal routine.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
The polyneuropathy of GBS usually give some degree of muscle atrophy as the nerves have been affected by the demyelination process. In addition, you have used these muscles less than before so there is a component of disuse atrophy occuring also. As the disease resolves, you should regain your muscle bulk as you exercise and get back to a normal routine.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
I had a cold back in august with sinus congestion. After 2 weeks with no relief, I went to an internist. He prescribed Zpack and told to to rest. My one ear seamed to be congested after an additional 2 weeks, since i have a moderate hearing loss with Tinitus I thought I should seek advise from my ent. My hearing has not changed and the ENT claimed I had a retracted eardrum. It was fustrating as my tinitus in that ear appeared much louder.
I should also mention that after doing some house work, such as using a screwdriver for 1/2 hour of shelf building would cause my hands to shake for about 1-2 hours afterwards. This started on October 8.
On October 10 I went for a follow up visit to the ENT, still retracted eardrum but she said I should be able to travel on a scheduled business trip. The stress from the loud Tinitus was causing me to awaken several time at night and all I could concentrate on was my ear problems. The ENt rx Zanax 0.5mg BID to help ease the stress. Two days later My wife and I were informed that our 7 month required open heart surgery scheduled for November 11.
On October 15 I awoke in the middle of the night with rapid fasculitations in both my legs. I have had these ever since but not as often. These twitches have also been in my arms, shoulders, back but mostly in the legs. I also have experienced muscle tightness in both arms as well as both lower legs.
I wrote these symptoms off to exces stress.
The heart operation was a success which relieved us greatly, however I still have my symptoms. Last week I went to my internist for help, I have lost 20 lbs since August and he Rx Buspar 15mg and said these symptoms were due to anxiety. Should I seek a neuro visit?
Thank you in advance for your help and advise
CCF Neuro MD