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Neurology (Expert Forum)
neurological problems/gait/clonus
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
neurological problems/gait/clonus
by crystaly, May 28, 2006 12:00AM
Hi, Ive had a gait problem for nearly 2 years,with clonus, muscle atrophy, burning stinging and electrical pain in most parts of my body.. I did have a full range of tests two years ago but all were in normal range. Clonazepam was prescribed for clonus(stopped it) amitrypaline and coedine for nerve pain. I have recently developed new symptoms eg dry eye syndrome, problems with my throat swallowing , chest pain/ pressure and very swollen salivary glands along with lump along left side of jawline ,
The clonus and gait problem are definately exercise related, My mobility at the moment is severly limited, toe spasms any slight change in temperature make them lock and I can't voluntarily move them. I had a ck blood test which was 52 (normal range I believe) Apart from this I have had no tests for two years . Would you recommend more tests in the light of new symptoms?
Do some neurological conditions take a while to show up on an mri scan? Could this be related to another condition eg. more specifically I did have a mastoidectomy many years ago . I had part of my mastoid bone removed as the abcess had burst and I was very ill. Be grateful for your opinion.
The clonus and gait problem are definately exercise related, My mobility at the moment is severly limited, toe spasms any slight change in temperature make them lock and I can't voluntarily move them. I had a ck blood test which was 52 (normal range I believe) Apart from this I have had no tests for two years . Would you recommend more tests in the light of new symptoms?
Do some neurological conditions take a while to show up on an mri scan? Could this be related to another condition eg. more specifically I did have a mastoidectomy many years ago . I had part of my mastoid bone removed as the abcess had burst and I was very ill. Be grateful for your opinion.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Jun 04, 2006 12:00AM
I cannot give you a formal medical opinion unfortunately as this site is purely educational
Your symptoms would localize best to the spinal cord, and a range of tests looking for inflammation, nutritional deficiency, autoimmune disease, infection or structural lesions are usually done in the investigation of a suspected spinal cord syndrome (blood, MRI and spinal fluid testing). I do noy know how much of this evalauation you have had done. Dry eyes and mouth and swollen salivary glands can represent 'sicca syndrome' or 'sjogren's syndrome' , realted to the bodies own immune system attacking these areas. A salivary gland or lacrimal gland biopsy can diagnose it. It can also be assocaited with spinal cord lesions and antibodies tests for sjogrens syndrome (SSA and B antibodies) can be tested for.
An MRI will usually show a significant spinal cord problem, but sometimes appears normal, in which case spinal fluid analysis may be more helpful. A repeat MRI may show an area of thinning of there was a prior injury or a bright spot if there are any recent area affected.
I can't tie the mastoidectomy with the symptoms. I would consult with your neurologist though on your new symptoms and discuss the need for any further testing and treatment
Good luck
Your symptoms would localize best to the spinal cord, and a range of tests looking for inflammation, nutritional deficiency, autoimmune disease, infection or structural lesions are usually done in the investigation of a suspected spinal cord syndrome (blood, MRI and spinal fluid testing). I do noy know how much of this evalauation you have had done. Dry eyes and mouth and swollen salivary glands can represent 'sicca syndrome' or 'sjogren's syndrome' , realted to the bodies own immune system attacking these areas. A salivary gland or lacrimal gland biopsy can diagnose it. It can also be assocaited with spinal cord lesions and antibodies tests for sjogrens syndrome (SSA and B antibodies) can be tested for.
An MRI will usually show a significant spinal cord problem, but sometimes appears normal, in which case spinal fluid analysis may be more helpful. A repeat MRI may show an area of thinning of there was a prior injury or a bright spot if there are any recent area affected.
I can't tie the mastoidectomy with the symptoms. I would consult with your neurologist though on your new symptoms and discuss the need for any further testing and treatment
Good luck
I wandered into this site via a Google search for clonus. My medical history is quite complicated. In 2002 I had a brain surgery for a Meningioma and they found an acoustic Neuroma in the same MRI. I received Stereotactic Radiation for the AN in 2004. I was later diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type II at Mass. General. In 2005 I had a 15cm cyst in my neck and in August I had a spinal fusion for C-5-C6 (I use to be an USAF fighter pilot 25 years ago).
I also experience clonus and clonazapam worked well. I am wondering about your swollen salivary glands and it’s source. I have a similar situation and the doctors are rather vague about the cause. The best theory is Lymphedema because of the lymph nodes that were removed.
My advise to you is seek additional medical advise at Mass. General. I appreciate all the help I received from Philly hospitals; HUP and Thomas Jefferson. A friend who contracted a very rare immune disease recommended Mass. General.
Best Regards…