Altered touch

[msl601]

I am a 26 yrs male.I was sitting with crossed legs for a prolonged time reading an interesting book,then when i tried to get up,i felt a shock like sensation with pain behind my knees.The pain was there for a day,then suddenly the pain vanished and i my touch feeling(sensation) altered in my left leg and within a day spread to my left hand also.Then now its over an year now,i have this altered sensation(very slight though) in the entire left half of my body (face,scalp,back,chest..) constanty.I have checkedwith a neurologist only recently (as my touch feeling was vey mildly altered but is gradually worsening).The neuro could not find any deficit and he said it could be depression.Actually i am little depressed also due to my professional life and this illness.I am might undergo some more tests including imaging few days later.I am very nervous about my future( I fear MS).I have good strength and energy levels to carry out my normal activities.I am also experiencing random itch/burning at different parts of my body(both sides) occasionally.I also vaguely remember that i had a head massage at a parlour once and the symptoms appeared to be lowered for some time after that.Please advice me suitably about my condition.

[msl601]

Sir,
I have fixed an appointment for this saturday with the neuro.I am not having any new signs..but i feel,the altered sensation(tingling) is slowly(very slowly indeed) increasing.I have also observed that when i am involved in some intense activity i dont observe this unusual feeling within me.Also,when i have a arousal,i have observed that the unusual tingling is almost gone(or may be i dont observe it).I havent discussed this with my doctor.Do you feel it helps to discuss this with him?Thanks in advance.

[JainMD]

Hi,
Yes indeed if you have got yourself examined before, those basic neurological examination would definitely point towards a particular diagnosis and guide us regarding further imaging and treatment protocol.
But if your symptoms have worsened after the last examination then you need another examination at earliest to see how has the pathology changed from last.
It is imminent to do re-evaluation if you feel that new symptoms have developed after your last examination.
I think you should consult a neurologist or get back to your old neurologist to discuss regarding these newer symptoms or findings.
Keep me informed.
Bye.

[msl601]

Sir,
I just need a clarification.Do those innocuous  basic neurological tests (for reflex,strength,eye tests) that they do ,reveal or suggest any vascular/neuro problem (like MS or stroke) which might have happened some time back.Thanks in advance.

[JainMD]

Hi,
I am sure the doctor you are seeing might be right in his thoughts as he has done physical examination and ruled out lot of causes of left sided altered sensation and numbness.
I would have done imaging study for you to rule out any other possible causes. As he is sure of his diagnosis I feel you should be following him and his treatment and see for improvement in your symptoms.
In case there is no apparent improvement, then you can revisit him again and stress on imaging studies to be done.
If any vascular pathology exists, it is curable as far as I am sure of diagnosis.
Keep me informed if you have any other queries.
Bye.

[msl601]

Thanks for your advice.
If you think,the problem is vascular in nature,can it be cured?
My doctor(one of the leading neurologists in town) feels there is no problem with my nervous system,he says imaging is not needed now.He has put me on anti-depressants.He says imaging can be done in one to two weeks time if need be.
I have aged parents,they are very concerned,they were planning to get me married soon.I am extremely worried and apprehensive.

[JainMD]

Hi,
I think it might be due to altered blood supply in brain on left side. Have you got any imaging study done?
Your symptoms are not localized, they are generalized hence involvement of any vessels can be suspected.
Alternatively it can be due to stress and anxiety.
Yes, Stress and anxiety can do this. Stress is the condition that results when person-environment transactions lead the individual to perceive a discrepancy, whether real or not, between the demands of a situation and the resources of the person's biological, psychological or social systems. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic remitting disorder characterized by multiple white lesions in the CNS separated by time and location. The most frequent presenting symptom is unilateral weakness or ataxia. Headache is common, ill defined paresthesias are noted, Visual symptoms like diplopia, blurred vision are also present initially.
MRI is the neuro-imaging of choice, small plaques of 3- 4mm can be identified, particularly those located in brain stem and spinal cord.
MS can cause changes in sensation, muscle weakness, abnormal muscle spasms, or difficulty in moving; difficulties with coordination and balance; problems in speech or swallowing, visual problems, fatigue and acute or chronic pain syndromes, bladder and bowel difficulties, cognitive impairment, or depression.
Your symptomatology as of now does not sound like MS, hence you need be concerned about it.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.