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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Paresthesias, Body Twitches - MS?
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Paresthesias, Body Twitches - MS?
by jsoh, Apr 15, 2002 12:00AM
I am a 25 year old female. No major health problems. Here are my symptoms:
6 weeks ago began experiencing mild numbness/tingling/achy feeling in right arm/hands/fingers. This was precitated by some hand pain after using a knife to cut a hard object. One week after that began experiencing same symptoms in left arm. The symptoms were not constant but frequent. A week after the left arm, I had mild numbness/tingling in my left ankle. The next day, my entire left leg felt asleep. This last about one day. For the next four weeks, I experienced this mild numbness and tingling in both feet, ankles, lower leg, arms, hands, fingers, upper back, face, head, and neck. The symptoms usually lasted from an hour to several hours. But for four weeks I usually had some symptom in some part of my body. Then the symptoms started to fade off. Since that time, I also developed some body twitches/jerks in most parts of my body that happened throughout the day. This lasted a week and kind of faded off. Now I seem to just have numbness/tingling in my fingers or feet that may last an hour every once in a while. Sometimes my arms/fingers feel achy. In addition, sometimes after using my hands/fingers for heavy use they tend to feel wierd and sometimes I have a tremor in my hands. I had a brain MRI that came back clear (I was experiencing the numbness/tingling in both feet at the time.) I am very concerned that I have MS. What else could it be? I have an appt. with a neurologist soon, but I am very worried. Does this sound like MS or anything else
6 weeks ago began experiencing mild numbness/tingling/achy feeling in right arm/hands/fingers. This was precitated by some hand pain after using a knife to cut a hard object. One week after that began experiencing same symptoms in left arm. The symptoms were not constant but frequent. A week after the left arm, I had mild numbness/tingling in my left ankle. The next day, my entire left leg felt asleep. This last about one day. For the next four weeks, I experienced this mild numbness and tingling in both feet, ankles, lower leg, arms, hands, fingers, upper back, face, head, and neck. The symptoms usually lasted from an hour to several hours. But for four weeks I usually had some symptom in some part of my body. Then the symptoms started to fade off. Since that time, I also developed some body twitches/jerks in most parts of my body that happened throughout the day. This lasted a week and kind of faded off. Now I seem to just have numbness/tingling in my fingers or feet that may last an hour every once in a while. Sometimes my arms/fingers feel achy. In addition, sometimes after using my hands/fingers for heavy use they tend to feel wierd and sometimes I have a tremor in my hands. I had a brain MRI that came back clear (I was experiencing the numbness/tingling in both feet at the time.) I am very concerned that I have MS. What else could it be? I have an appt. with a neurologist soon, but I am very worried. Does this sound like MS or anything else
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Apr 15, 2002 12:00AM
MS is always a consideration when vague symptoms of numbness and tingling are present in a young woman. An important test would be further imaging of your spinal cord with an MRI w/ dye. If this is positive for lesions, a spinal tap would be the next step. If not, consider an EMG to evaluate the sensory symptoms and see if there is a problem in the nerves from the spinal cord going out ot the limbs. There are certainly other disorders that this could represent such as a peripheral neuropathy (of numerous causes) either acquired or something you were born with/inherited familially. B12 deficiency is also a possibility.Your neurologist should be able to point you int he right direction. Good luck.
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Quite a while ago I experienced numbness, pins and needles and pressure in my head. It would come and go all the time. Sometimes it feels like someone is pushing on spots on my legs. I also feared that I had MS, but the MRI showed up clear. The doctors have had no answers for me. Over time it has faded. The biggest way it effects me, is that it comes on when I try to exercise. As soon as my pulse rate increases, I feel pressure in my head, and weird nerve things happening in my body. Do you have any trouble exercising?
I think the most similar symptom is the way that the numbness and pins and needles comes and goes.
This has been going on for almost a year for me.
I have had extensive blood work and my doctor found my results normal. He referred me to a neurologist. I don't go till the end of May. I almost cancelled the appointment because my symptoms disappeared for two week and just returned the other day. It doesn't keep me awake at all.
Other than that, I feel great. I exercise and have lots of energy and have no feelings of loss of strength. I think what is making it worse is how anxious I become when I have a "new" feeling. I wonder if it is related. I am trying very hard to put it out of my mind. Please keep us posted on your progress.
Now I have started to get dizzy and nausated for three or four days a week. Missed work all last week because of being dizzy. Now they are gonna send me to a gland specialist....because I am having hot and cold sweats. I am female/48.....and some people think it could all be due to menopause. Have anyone else had any of those symptons???THANKS!!!
:)
I really appreciate being able to talk to people about this because it helps so much. It seems like my husband or my Mother always just tell me not to worry but it's not that easy.
Thanks Shellopher
To the person that "finds it hard to believe stress can cause all of this", have you ever noticed that your symptoms bc less if you find yourself anxious over something else going on in your life or around you? I only asked this bc I started having something occuring in my life that took my focus off of a chronic condition I have in my shoulder muscles (I am in PT for). Anyway, amazingly enough, I noticed the pain that was always constant in my shoulder left during this time,was gone, and that was almost a month! My anxiety actually makes the shoulder worse (I'm not saying it's not there at all, it's just worse when I worry) So, try to find something more worrisome to worry about! ha like the Middle East conflict, hey, come to think of it, that should heal just about all of us here!! :) :)
Anyway, Yes, stress can worsen those conditions......
me :)
Like yourself, the first thing I was thinking was MS. While the symptoms caused by MS are extremely varied and differ from person to person, it appears that from what I read, that one of the common threads to the overall symptoms was loss of muscle strength in the legs/arms. Of course, the common symptoms don’t progress in any order either. I learned a lot from my reading and never realized it was such a difficult illness to diagnosis. I didn’t ask about MS at my doctor visit but I did notice him ask me a lot of questions, which come to find out after my reading were questions relating to symptoms of MS. From the information you have provided, it appears that you don’t have any muscle weakness - one of the most prevalent symptoms of MS (from what I have read). Because the feelings we are experiencing are very noticeable it is easy to become distraught and constantly consumed with the worst. Like yourself, I wouldn’t feel anything when I was falling asleep and as you, I sprung to attention in the morning to make sure I could still function. We all know that diet sodas are not at the top of the list for being the most beneficial beverage - so maybe this is a good time to give those up in favor of something like green tea or good old water. I love to mix seltzer with OJ or grape juice. Just like soda! I’ve used this past month’s "trauma" as a wakeup call to start eating better and drinking more water. Can’t hurt, right? As far as back pain, that can be anything. We abuse our backs and don’t even know it. You say you have children? Are they constantly wanting to be toted around by mommy? I pick up my nephew and I cannot image a mother without back pain! I was waking up a few months ago practically unable to move (my lower back felt fused) and wouldn’t you know a new mattress solved that problem! I got one of those that has that foam feeling to it. I cannot believe the difference!!! Our mattress was only 10 years old and one of the famous "S" brands. Don’t rule out the mattress as a potential problem area. Ever notice that a cat never become mobile from a nap or sleep without first stretching? That is another thing we as humans don’t do and should. I also recommend getting into a yoga class. The mind does have a powerful affect on health. We woman need to put our well-being and health first. You have to make time for it and have it become a priority. When was the last time you went for a massage or a facial? These are the types of things I have slowly started to do. I was always doing things for everyone else. Take time for "you". I know a lot of these things won’t make your pain go away, but it is a start, a new beginning to self-improvement.
DON’T be scared to go to the doctor. Explain your anxiety. I was frank with my doctor … telling him that I have been doing too much reading on the Internet. He tried to hold back his chuckle. Don’t feel ashamed to ask for something that will help with your anxiety. We all need a little help sometime.
While my symptoms are gone (for now) … who knows, they could return at any time. I was free from these annoyances for about 3 weeks and then this past Sunday and Monday I was a wreck, totally convinced that my time here on earth was coming to a screeching halt. Now here I am, Wednesday, wondering WHY I let myself get all consumed with fear. I AM going to keep my Neurologist appt. at the end of the May regardless. I also keep a daily diary of my symptoms – regardless if I have a burning feeling, twitch or tingle. It will be valuable information for your doctor and he/she will take you much more seriously.
SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE STARTED TO HAVE MINI SEIZURES WHICH START WITH TINGLING IN MY LEGS UNCOORDINATION AND AN AURA AS IF I GOING TO GO DOWN.
THE NEROLOGIST DOSENT WANT TO GIVE ME A SPINAL TAP AS YET AS THIS MIGHT BE THE EARLY STAGES AND MY SPINAL FLUID MIGHT BE CLEAR.
I HATE THE WOBBLINESS AND THOUGHT OF A MINI SEIZURE AT WORK OR ELSEWHERE.
HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD ANY OF MY SYMPTOMS?
Mine began with a migraine and then a couple days afterwards I experienced a "tingling and pressure" on the top of my head on the right side. I then noticed numbness on the right side of my face. These feelings have continued for a few weeks and a head MRI came back normal. In the last week I have been experiencing a tingling feeling in my feet - especially when walking on them and some slight twitches in my legs and arms. I am also experiencing pain and tingling in my right arm, hand, and leg. The fact that most of these are on my right side scared me.
Just a side note, I had vein sclerosing surgery (injections) done just before all of these problems began - could there be a connection?
Thank you for any help!
I have pretty much the same symptoms as you. Right down to the back problem ! I also re-injured (pinched sciatic nerve) my back about 3 weeks ago. I have a vague tingling sensation and hot patches on my left side (arm, leg)that come and go. And, some pins and needles mainly in my big toe. It doesn't keep me awake and I wake up w/o symptoms. They usually reappear shortly after I wake up. I went to my family dr. on Sat. and he felt that I had numerous pinched nerves. He thought the sensations in my arm might be from carrying the baby's car seat and my leg was from hurting my back the 3 weeks prior. I had my daughter 8 mths ago (I had an epidural, probably not relevant at this point). He prescribed Celebrex x 10days (2x daily). But, I went to see a neurologist on Monday because I am terrified it is something more serious. He examined me complete w/ walking a straight line and asking me questions (ie: day, year, childs birthday). He said there was no muscle weakness or vision disturbances which are commonly associated w/ MS. He didn't seem concerned about MS, he also felt it was pinched nerves. The only thing he didn't like was the tingling in my face. I am going for an MRI w/ dye and complete blood work tomorrow (THurs).
You said you went to the dr. on the 17th. I would like to hear from you to know how things went for you. I know how you feel, I am scared all the time also. My husband thinks that alot of my symptoms are just nerves and anxiety. I hope he's right !
You can email me directly (***@****)or post a message on the board. I hope you are doing well.
By the way, I think the Celebrex is helping !
Thanks : )
I have been to multiple doctors and two neurologists. I have had a brain MRI (came back fine), neck x-ray, blood tests for thyroid problems, etc., and an EMG on my left arm and leg. So far nothing has come back alarming.
I am getting so frustrated! I am a 25 year old female in good health and am also fearing MS even though I have not presented any other symptoms and my tingling has been regular for two years (no drop off). The last few days the burning/tingling sensation in my arms has been so bad it prevents me from falling asleep easily and wakes me up in the middle of the night.
In November, I noticed a small lump had appeared on my left foot. By this time I was limping from the pain and my ankle was sore and my leg felt tight and numb. The pain would start in the foot and shoot up my shin, but never went beyond my knee. They thought the lump was a ganglion cyst. I was referred to a specialist who confirmed that diagnoses but noticed my left foot was numb and had dropped. He also checked my knee reflexes etc. and found them to be hyper. So, he sent me to physiotherapy. The heat did help with the stiffness but after the five sessions, I would get dizzy and the floor seemed to be pulsating, as if you were standing over a machine or a furnace.
In January, the pain became worse and I was dragging my foot around and then the shaking or tremors in my leg started. The lump that they thought was a ganglion cyst completely disappeared. The physiotherapist seemed to think my problem was electrical somewhere and wrote up a report to my GP. Only when he got the report and did his own testing, did he take me serious about my leg pain and the dizziness. I was referred to a neurologist, had an MRI to the head and spine, which turned out to be normal. I went back to the neuro who retested me and found nothing had improved. The left leg is still stiff and the reflexes abnormal I don't do very well in crowds and react strongly to any sudden noises, bright lights. I jump about a foot and scream, which is very unnatural and embarrassing.
I feel shock like sounds in my head, just before I fall asleep. I was on Viox for about three months but it didn't help any of the symptoms. I had an EMG to my left leg and foot and blood work done this week. The EMG was normal, which rules our nerve damage. The neuro still thinks my problem is something to do with my Central Nervous System, but I don't go back to see him until July. He said to go to my own doctor for medication, etc.
My GP put me on Gabapentin, a medicine prescribed for seizures. I am almost afraid to take it. Many people with CNS problems like MS, take Neurontin or Zanaflex but I guess they won't prescribe that until they make a final diagnoses, which my GP said could take up to a year or more. I also take Novo-Lorazem at night to help me sleep.
The sole of my left foot is so tender as the pain and pins and needles feelings never leave. Today my knee kind of gave out and I was scared of falling. I cannot walk normally as I take three steps ahead and two steps sideways. I cannot work as I can't put all my weight on my left side and my coordination and balance is affected. An interesting family situation has developed where my younger brother has been having similar leg and foot problems with his left side. His foot dropped and one foot specialist thinks he has CMT, Charcot Marie Tooth, another one thought he had a leg tumour. Well, his cat scan on his leg came back OK so now he has to wait to see a neurologist.
I told my neuro about this new update to my family history and he told me that I don't have CMT or a Peripheral Neuropathy. I didn't think that I did have CMT as I don't have clawed toes, etc. He also told me not to try and self diagnose myself as he was the doctor.
Anyway, I feel the numbness and pins and needles now in my left hand and arm. If I hold the telephone, I feel my arm going numb. It is all very frustrating as nobody seems to have any answers. Prior to last fall, I was a very active person, had a fulltime job and looked after the house, yard, etc. Now, I am not sure if I will be able to stand up in the morning when I get out of bed. I don't like to go anywhere by myself as I lean to the right and it looks like I am staggering. My neuro says that I jump easy and that I appear to be nervous. I was always like that but it is not anything that I can control. When the sound system went a little crazy at Church, I had to cover my ears and put my head down to my knees. Everybody was looking weirdly at me, as that is not normal. It didn't bother anybody else.
I talked with a lady yesterday whose symptoms were almost identical to mine, except hers was on the right side. She has been suffering now for seven years. One thing that has helped her is physiotherapy to the brain. I have seem people mention Intercranial Hypertension, so maybe a lot of us may fall into that category.
I found out from checking my family's health history that my aunt has to take an injection of B12 on a monthly basis and that her father, my grandfather, had Pernicious Anemia. The last blood work should show if I have low levels of B12. I take it orally every day along with Cod Liver Oil and my Calcium so I can't see why it should be low. I don't smoke, drink and my health is normal regarding all other tests at my recent annual checkup.
Besides the Herpes Zoste illnesses, I have a history of allergies which affect my eyelids and throat. I don't understand though why my left eye always is more swollen than my right one. It has a bulge in the corner that is filled with fluid. My GP said that I am probably retaining fluid.
This has been a long posting but I have tried to record all the details in an effort to be of help to others. It seems that many people are suffering from the same types of problems, which are not being detected or properly diagnosed. I can understand why people would become very depressed. You can relate to a broken leg, cancer or even MS, when it is finally diagnosed. However, when you can't walk properly anymore and there isn't any physical problem with your leg or foot, you begin to think that you are making too much of your problems.
I agree with the majority of people who have posted and who don't know or understand why they are afflicted with these unknown conditions. Maybe if more neurologists or doctors were affected the same way, there may be more emphasis on finding a cure, or at least admitting they just don't know what is wrong but knowing that our pain is real and we need help, support and understanding.
However, the sun is shining, I don't have a life threatening disease that I am aware of, so I intend to make the most of each day. It may mean that I have to take extra good care of myself and get more rest by lying down a lot more often, but I am still in the land of the living, but just don't have much of a quality of life anymore.
So, sorry if I have bored a lot of you, but one thing to realize is that these postings allow you the opportunity to vent your frustrations and to reach others who just may be suffering from the same thing. I find it hard to believe that with all the advances in modern medicine that so many people have fallen through the cracks, either because the medical system just doesn't know how to deal with these problems, or else they are really not listening to what we are all saying. I think there has to be a common link somewhere, that to date nobody is picking up on.
Good luck to each and every one of you, try to remain positive and keep the faith. I heard today about one girl who suffered for two years with leg and foot pain and one morning she got up and it was completely gone. All her tests had been normal when she was sick and nobody knew what was wrong with her. Let's hope that some more of us have that positive ending to our journey of pain. Take care and God Bless
From Pins & Needles............
I am a 46 year old male. I was diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia about 8 months ago. If you have that, then you may not be producing enough "intrinsic factor" to absorb the vitamin B12. If so, then you may need to take very high doses of B12 ( if oral will even do the job ). The literature says that your body can abosorb about 1% of vitamin B12 even in the complete absence of intrinsic factor.
I personally take 1000 mcg tablets every day. Soy milk and other vitamin tablets add about another 200mcg. The daily requirement is something like 6 mcg.
BTW, I'm still in the early stages of getting checked out for progressive muscle weakness over the last year or so with some transient tingling and numbness, in specific locations, in the last 2 months. Also: Blurry and occasional double vision with an inability to get the right eye corrected to 20/20, excessive clumsiness, fuzzy thinking and occasional dizziness. I am also concerned about possible MS.
My Neurologist went to a seminar in Texas and came back with some news. He heard of something called CELIAC DISEASE which has Neuropathy as a symptom. It's an intolerance to the GLUTENS in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. The Glutens atrophy the villi in the small intestines which causes vitamin deficiencies, stomache cramps, gas, acid reflux, diarhea (diarrhea) (floaty, bubbly, stinky, and sometimes bloody). I haven't been officialy diagnosed with Celiac Sprue yet but am seeing a G.I. Doctor tomorrow.
If it wasn't for the spasms I would be in perfect health. It's irritating more than debilitating. Especialy being undiagnosed and the Doctors scratching their heads and telling me there's nothing (they can find) wrong. Could this be as simple as a vitamin def.?
I sometimes wonder if this isn't a result of years of eating processed foods. They put so much cr*# into every food product, try reading the lables at the store, it's sickening.