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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Possible allergies causing nerve problems?
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Possible allergies causing nerve problems?
by Nancy L, Feb 29, 2000 12:00AM
Is it possible for an exposure to an allery (either food, chemical or enviromental) to cause the following symptoms: tingling, burning everywhere!, twitches, shaking, facial tightness, hand stiffness, ear pain and throat problems. Have had this for 7 month now and it all started about 2 weeks after moving to the Virginia area. Been to countless docs and have had MANY tests run. Best way to describe the burning is like someone poured icy hot all over me! Symptoms are the worst when im at rest, and first thing in the morning. Ive explored all other areas, so im just wondering if allergies can do this. If so, what are the most common types? Thank you so much
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Feb 29, 2000 12:00AM
Dear NAL:
Sorry to hear about your twitches and burning sensations. Toxins may cause what you describe, but common environmental allergies I have not heard of causing what you describe. If you lived on a farm or near farming areas where pesticides were used, there might be a possibility that this might be a cause. However, most of the possibilities would give some sort of laboratory abnormality. I am assuming that you have had an EMG and a complete neurological examination and these are all normal. The most likely explanation is that the true cause might not be ever detected and you might have what is called benign fasciculations. But, I would try and rule out all the other possibilities initially, what you and your physicians are currently doing. Sorry, I am not much help.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Sorry to hear about your twitches and burning sensations. Toxins may cause what you describe, but common environmental allergies I have not heard of causing what you describe. If you lived on a farm or near farming areas where pesticides were used, there might be a possibility that this might be a cause. However, most of the possibilities would give some sort of laboratory abnormality. I am assuming that you have had an EMG and a complete neurological examination and these are all normal. The most likely explanation is that the true cause might not be ever detected and you might have what is called benign fasciculations. But, I would try and rule out all the other possibilities initially, what you and your physicians are currently doing. Sorry, I am not much help.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Nancy
Yes benign fasiculation can cause all those symptoms plus many more. Unfortunatly there does not seem to be one specific cause from what I have read. Do yourself a favor and check out the Neurology Forums at Massachusetts General Hospital. Find your way to the "neuromuscular message board" and scroll down through the posts. Sometimes to know you are not alone is of great comfort. You will see people with similar symptoms to yours. You are correct, the kind doctors here do offer a wonderful service and are to be applauded for their prompt and curtious replys. On another note, my neuro perscribed neurontin and I must say that it has helped a great deal with the pain that can come with the fasiculations. Best of luck and may God Bless You!
Thank you for your comment. My "twitches" if you will did not start up until a couple months after the tingling and burning sensations kicked in (first tingling in arms and legs, then burning), which gradually led to other problems. Can that be true of benign fasiculations? My nerve test was completely normal as well (this was done however before the twitches started) Thanks again.
Nancy
I thought the small fiber nerve punch biopsies were often more useful in diagnosis then EMG for burning symptoms. Maybe the original poster could gain more insight thru this test. It revealed some very unusal results in mine they never saw before.
There are some patients who describe the symptoms you have and we have thought they have benign fasciculations. We could not find another source for their many symptoms.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
I appreciate the work you are doing to help ease peoples' minds about their symptoms.
Could there be a connection to the novacain I received for the root canel and the Bells Pasly?
Likely not, as we think that most Bell's palsy is post infectious or due to systemic illness. However, anything is possible.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
What are the side effect to radiation treatment for cancer
Thank you Thomas Caron
I hope you get some comments to your posting.
CCF Neuro MD
Thank You
ken
There is the possibility that a low B12 level can cause symptoms such as you describe. A simple B12 level would go a long way toward making the diangosis.
CCF Neuro MD