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Neurology (Expert Forum)
What next ?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
What next ?
by coloradoman, Dec 13, 2003 12:00AM
I am seeking medical help for diagnosis and treatment of symptoms which began around May of 2003 which continue today going on six months. The Symptoms began with very low back pain and fatigue. In addition I have dull aching genital pain and burning rectal pain. I am experiencing sexual dysfunction. These symptoms have persisted for the past six months. The Neurontin medication (1500mg/day) combined with Amitryptoline (50mg/day) has helped mitigate symptoms somewhat. I have spells which the symptoms worsen with flu like symptoms, even under medication, to where all I can do is lay down in fetal position and wait for symptoms subside. I end up walking around and eating/drinking something and eventually symptoms will become less intense. I have seen numerous specialists including Chiropractors, Neurologists, Physical Therapist, Pain Management, Gastroenterologist and Urologist. I have had numerous tests including two Lumbar/Sacral MRI (one high contrast), EMG, Bone Scan and Lumbar Puncture. The only abnormal results were the protein levels in the LP which were elevated at 54mg/dl. Nuerologists seem to have given up. No blood tests for anything like Lyme. I have tried several times to wean myself from the medications which resulted in symptoms becoming more intense and unrelenting. I experienced sharp pains in my upper back, hip, butox, bottom of feet, neck with headaches and flu symptoms along with the original symptoms above. Most of these sharp pains were transient and would only remain for seconds. I also have increased urgency with bowel/urine movements. I swim & hike.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Dec 16, 2003 12:00AM
Your case is very complex. The normal MRI's help in excluding structural lesions of the spine or nerves. The spinal fluid was not inflammatory to suggest MS, lyme, sarcoid, or lupus. The normal EMG also exlcudes muslce and peripheral nerve disorders. At this point my best advice is for you to seek an opinion at a large academic center. This way you can have a definitive evaluation. To enhance this visit you should bring your previous records. If no cause can be found then seeing a pain specialist at a large center may be able to provide some strategy for relief. Good luck.
How would spinal tap (LP) show inflamatory disease ?
Did you mean MRI did not show inflamatory nerves visually ???
What does the elevated protein indicate then ? tumors ?
Thanks for your reply