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Neurology (Expert Forum)
What to think?
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 to think?
by Makelsbelle, May 15, 2004 12:00AM
Hello, thank you for such a valuable forum!!
I am a 31y.o. female. Started having neck pain,left arm tingling and pain, and slight weakness in left arm last year Sept.2003,(has not gotten worse that I notice) this year in Jan.2004 had cervical MRI showing herniations,DJD,and nerve root compression. Also, last Oct. started having left leg pain from buttocks down thigh and sometimes lower leg, also felt like leg was weaker, feel warmth on bottom of left foot sometimes-- in Dec. started having twitches all over body. Have been examined by neurosurg at Duke in March 2004, informed him of my concern of having ALS. States he does not think I have ALS, said weakness in left arm is not much and ordered P.T. along with lumbar MRI (b/c of leg-r/o spinal stenosis), came out normal. Said reflexes normal, etc. My left thigh is very slightly smaller than my right one. The strength is equal (left legs exhausts/tightens quicker when exercising,etc.) but I am worried? I am an anxious person and very worried about this. Would I already notice certain things if I has ALS? Also, I do neuro tests on myself all the time--stand on tips toes, walk on heels, run up stairs, etc. I can do all of this but after I do squats/weights (just recently started) or run up stairs it always feels like left leg tightens up/gets tired for a while. By the way, I had P.T. for my neck--have been d/c'd this past week, supposed to f/u with neuro if I start dropping things. I am not tripping or anything. I have a second opinion on May 26th, would just like any input please!! Thank you!! I am sorry this is so long.
I am a 31y.o. female. Started having neck pain,left arm tingling and pain, and slight weakness in left arm last year Sept.2003,(has not gotten worse that I notice) this year in Jan.2004 had cervical MRI showing herniations,DJD,and nerve root compression. Also, last Oct. started having left leg pain from buttocks down thigh and sometimes lower leg, also felt like leg was weaker, feel warmth on bottom of left foot sometimes-- in Dec. started having twitches all over body. Have been examined by neurosurg at Duke in March 2004, informed him of my concern of having ALS. States he does not think I have ALS, said weakness in left arm is not much and ordered P.T. along with lumbar MRI (b/c of leg-r/o spinal stenosis), came out normal. Said reflexes normal, etc. My left thigh is very slightly smaller than my right one. The strength is equal (left legs exhausts/tightens quicker when exercising,etc.) but I am worried? I am an anxious person and very worried about this. Would I already notice certain things if I has ALS? Also, I do neuro tests on myself all the time--stand on tips toes, walk on heels, run up stairs, etc. I can do all of this but after I do squats/weights (just recently started) or run up stairs it always feels like left leg tightens up/gets tired for a while. By the way, I had P.T. for my neck--have been d/c'd this past week, supposed to f/u with neuro if I start dropping things. I am not tripping or anything. I have a second opinion on May 26th, would just like any input please!! Thank you!! I am sorry this is so long.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, May 20, 2004 12:00AM
I can not make a diagnosis of ALS over the internet, but the information you have provided does not sound like ALS. The leg symptoms may be due to a problem above the lumbar region, such as the thoracic or cervical cord. You should ask if there is any evidence of compression of the cord at these levels. If you are still concerned about the ALS diagnosis a second opinion with a neurologist would be reasonable. Good luck.
Member Comments (3)
by Makelsbelle, May 15, 2004 12:00AM
Forgot to add that left hip also hurts and is tender if I lay on left side.
by Makelsbelle, May 15, 2004 12:00AM
Sorry!! I forgot to tell you that nerve root compression was at C5-6 with herniation at 4-5 and 5-6..DJD, osteophytes,etc.
