Roaming Numbness

For about 4 weeks my wife has been having symptoms of "roaming numbness".  She says she always has decreased sensitivity in various parts of her arms, legs, face, and scalp, and that decreased sensitivty shifts from place to place.  She never has complete numbness in any one location.  Last week we went to our PCP, and then a Neurologist this past Monday.  The PCP didn't know what the problem could be and referred us.

The appointment with the Neurologist was pretty quick. He evaluated her by having her do things like walk on her toes, walk on her heels, touch her nose with her eyes closed, etc.  He also tested her reflexes with various instruments (bump the knee to see the knee-jerk reaction) and tapped elbows to check for nerve sensitivity.  He wasn't too concerned with her symptoms.  He asked her about stress levels and hinted that this could be related to anxiety.

The PCP had my wife do some blood work including a CBC check, a test for Rheumatoid arthritis, and test for problems with her Thyroid.  The results from those blood tests came back normal, except for one part of the CBC, the MCV.  Her MCH was borderline high, and the MCV was just a little high (jsut above the "normal" range).  Also, her RBC was just above the low end of normal (3.87).  Also, the Neurologist is going to specifically test for B-12 and Folate levels, test for toxins, diabetes, etc.  We're still waiting for the results to come back from the 2nd set of blood tests.  

We also have an MRI scheduled for next week.

The PCP didn't know what could be causing the symptoms, and the Neurologist wasn't too concerned about her symptoms either.  He said he really didn't think it was Multiple Sclerosis, and scheduled us to come in for a follow-up in two months.  We're very concerned about her symptoms and are thinking to see a 2nd Neurologist just to make sure.  What is your opinion on the symptoms and also on the course of treatment?  Do you have any other recommendations.

berj275

[Melanie100]

I have had episodes such as your wive's.  4 of them, each lasting about 1-2 months before dissipating.  This has occured over a 10year period.  I have seen 3 different neurologists.  None of them suspected MS but also agreed to give me MRIs which were clear.  I think it is a good idea for your wife to have the MRI just to rule everything out.  My thyroid and Vit B12 tests were always normal, however, this last time my doctor also tested my iron levels which were low and my RBC count was also low.  I was also deficient in Vit D.  The low iron can cause some of these symptoms, but my opinion is that it an anxiety manifestation.  Hopefully you will return to this post and let me know the results of the MRI and if they figured out the cause of her symptoms.

[pacanuck]

I am a 43 yr old female and had some of the same symptoms as your wife.  But localized mostly on head/face.  Numbness on the right side, bottom lip, cheek, nose up to the corner of my eye.  Also weird sensations and itchy spots.  All blood work and physical exam normal.  Had MRI last Friday and they found a benign tumor that they called a meningioma.  I guess they happen more commonly in women my age to 60.  I am now getting headaches and my tongue and throat are going numb as well.  They say it needs to come out and we are researching facilities and techniques right now.  Doctor said they are slow growing and I probably had this thing my whole adult life and it is now getting big enough to put pressure on nerves in the brain.  I have a great family and they are all there for me, but right now I feel like the lonliest person in the world, so I was searching chat groups.  I hope your wife recieves good news after her MRI

[dhwhite]

I am a 51 year old female with the same symptoms except on the left. I get pressure in the back of my head and roaming numbness. I have had 2 brain mris and a spinal mri. The only thing that has come back is c-3 thru 5 of my neck are putting pressure on my spinal cord and I have a small nodule of thyroid that I will need to get ultrasound for. It is maddening to go through this experience and it does feel very lonely. Neuros give you a quick few minutes and meanwhile you feel very alone, even with a loving family.