Numbness, Weakness, Dizziness

[footylad]

I'm a 34 male in general good health.

For the past year or more I have had weakness and numbness down my left side, particularly my left eye, cheek, hand, leg and foot. I find these symptoms most problematic when walking as I am worried about losing balance or falling although this has never happened. I also get shocking dizzy spells.

I spoke to my GP and he referred me to a neurologist. I had an MRI scan and was told that it showed 'nothing serious'. But the problem has never been resolved and I am very anxious to find out what the cause may be. My GP is not keen to investigate. Can anyone helpor shed light?

Any help or feedback very welcome.

Thanks,

[addicted2harleys]

Hey there, footlad-

Do you trust your GP?   I don't like the fact that he is brushing you off.   If it were me (yes, I have been there), I would be getting a new GP.   I believe you have to have a GP that stands beside you and takes you seriously.   Having this goes a long way...

Did you call the place you got your MRI done at?

Addi

[sllowe]

footlad,

Hi there, Belated welcome to you!

It may not be serious - but, no matter what the doc says the report says (geez, say that 10x's, haha). Get your hands on it. Don't ask the docs office. Call the facility you had the scans in and plan to pick it up  - I think Addi and a few others recommended that as well.

We're not saying it will tell the tale - just saying have it in hand for a follow up.

Tell us more about the neuro appointment. What was the physical like? And, did the neuro ask you lots of questions?

No matter what this ends up being - hope we can help you make some progress.
Thanks for joining us,
Shell

[footylad]

Hi all (incl Sarah),

I saw my GP and asked for a copy of the MRI scan - he said that the report said my scan was 'normal' and that further investigation was not necessary.

I asked specifically about the symptoms and he said that he would attribute them to Health Anxiety and that in his opinion they didn't warrant concern or further investigation. I feel as if I've reached a dead-end...

[Sparkysarah]

What struck me from your post was it does not seem that the neurologist has investigated you thoroughly or taken your symptoms seriously. It sounds as if you explained the numbness you were feeling, they agreed to do an MRI which showed "nothing Serious" and that there has been no follow up or further investigation. This is not good enough. Were you asked for a full clinical history, or did the neurologist suggest doing blood tests or visual evoked potential tests? I agree with the others that you need sight of your MRI report...and you are entitled to this.

Let us know how you get on and make sure you follow this up.

Cheers for now

Sarah

[footylad]

Hi Addi,

Thank you so much for replying.

I too thought that the phrase "nothing serious" was an odd one; it doesn't seem to have the same reassurance as "clear/fine/healthy/no problems"...

I intend to ask for a copy of the MRI report and disc and will update here.

FL

[addicted2harleys]

Hi, footy-

I am sorry that you have been having a rough year, but glad you found this forum.  

The one thing that grabbed me in your post was that your MRI showed "nothing serious".  Does that mean that it showed something?  I would want to know exactly what the report said and I would want the doc to explain to me what the report means.  

As others have said, you need to get a copy of the MRI report AND a disk of the test itself.  You are entitled to it and it is easy to get.  Just contact the place where you had the MRI performed and see what you need to do to get a copy.

Do you have a follow up appointment with the neuro or did he just basically dismiss you?   If your regular doc doesn't seem to want to help you, maybe it is time to get a new one?

Just some thought I had,
Addi

[footylad]

Julie and Jensequitir - thank you both so much for responding.

The MRI was of head and neck - I never saw the report.

I have received no treatment for the weakness, numbness and shakiness and have just been going through a nightmare trying to convince myself that it's nothing. I get weakness in my arms and legs and I just know that can't be right at my age.

[jensequitur]

I would see if you can get a copy of the MRI report.  Sometimes the report will mention findings that the doctor overlooks.

Even if they can't find anything, they should be treating you for the dizzy spells, weakness and numbness.  

[jujuminx]

MRI of the what?  Brain? Spine? Any other tests done? Have they told you what they suspect is causing the problem?  Did they tell you anything about the MRI that was done other than "nothing serious"?

I would stay on them for answers and futher tests.  At this point its too early in the game to dx MS but certainly they can't dx anything unless they perform some more tests on you.

You are your own best advocate.

Julie