Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology (Expert Forum)
Polyneuropathy without identified cause
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.
Polyneuropathy without identified cause
by Bridget1, Mar 21, 2004 12:00AM
I'm a 36 y/o cauc female w/mult. symptoms but no unifying diagnosis. PMH incl. L5-S1 HNP and primary hypothyroidism (now euthyroid). s/s began 15 mo ago w/occas. "charley horses" of R calf at noc. Over next several mo, developed signif. fatigue and RLE paresthesias/pain (previously ['98] paresthesias in only LLE which responded to epid. steroids/rest) w/LBP/sciatica not responsive to phys. therapy/epid. steroids. MRI w/some narrowing/possible nerve compression-not enough to explain symptoms. LBP/sciatica resolved but paresthesias now in BLE. Cluster of new symptoms (3/03) seem temporally-related per neuro MD (includes new bilat ulnar paresthesias, 2 episodes of visual blurring lasting <24 hrs, LE sense of vibration/"wetness"/ heaviness/weakness, tripping over feet, myokymia in LEs, shock-like stabs in extrem./face/back). Now w/more new symptoms (transient episodes of chin/tongue numbness w/decr. taste, myokymia also in L face/UEs/back, burning band-like sensation in extremities/back, arm/leg intention tremor, arms heavy/weak/ decr. coord., feels like walking on thick material in shoes). Sometimes w/decr. hand fine motor skills. Have seen 2 neuro/1 rheum along w/extensive testing (brain/C-spine/L-spine MRI, EMG, somatosensory evoked potentials, serology all in fall '03) with no explanation. 1st brain MRI w/2 focal punctate areas w/incr. Flair signal in periatrial distrib-nonspecific-artifact? 2d MRI read normal for age. Tried Neurontin-d/c'd-excessive sedation. Now on Mirapex (RLS?) but no relief after almost 1 mo. MDs waiting for etiology to declare itself. Seeking insight.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Mar 24, 2004 12:00AM
Your case is very complex, and it sounds like you have had a good evaluation. This does not sound like a peripheral neuropathy. Some of the symptoms could be consistent with RLS. Other disorders which may have been excluded include connective tissue diseases, B12 deficiency, or non-specific inflammatory disorders. What I would recommend is having a second opinion at a large academic medical center. Then can perhaps review what testing has been done and maybe recommend a few more. Good luck.
If you have risk factors you might want to get cjhecked for mercury intoxication. Risk factors: amalgam fillings, heavy fish-eater, possible home or work exposure.
Bloods often don't pick it up - check the net on mercury + chelators + urine test. Possible sx of mercury intox are incredibly varied, and all of yours could fit in.
Just a shot in the dark. I hope they figure it out for you.
-dave