Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms

[links]

Hi,

I've been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy.  I have periods where it feels like almost my entire body is tingling / vibrating / bubbling.
Is this symptom consistent with PN or shoud I be looking for another etiology.

Thank You

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Peripheral neuropathies (PN) are a very general term to describe neurological signs and symptoms that arise outside of the brain and spinal cord, in the peripheral nerves.  It would be unusual for the entire body to be involved.  The more general types of PN affect the legs and then arms in a stocking-glove pattern or distribution, but usually spare the trunk and face. This should show up on an EMG if you have had one. From your brief description, it doesn't sound like a PN. Get a formal neuro exam if you already haven't.  If it really does involve your whole body, there may be something in the upper spinal cord or brain that could explain your symptoms; but if there's no other clinical finding then it is unlikely. Finally a few blood tests should be looked at such as thyroid, diabetes, and B12 as well as routine electrolyte testing.  Good luck.

[nonnie]

To:  TJD  
Yes, I do feel like I am talking to a distant void!!

[nonnie]

To Superstar, I can't seem to get a comment from anyone on this forum.  I tried braintalk.org and someone answered me.  Maybe you can try there.  I hope it helps.  Have a great day and feel better!!

[zoltanvarga]

Try posting on "neurologychannel.com it's much easier to post!

[nonnie]

It seems like everyone here has a specific problem regarding PN. I have been having this problem for awhile, but would like someone on this forum to answer my questions regarding the problem I stated on 2/24/02.  I am going to see my doctor in April but if anyone has something to say regarding this problem I would like to know.  Thanks much!!

[nonnie]

Hi, can anyone answer my question regarding burning pains in my left foot above my toes. Read the problem I wrote earlier which explains my situation.  Thank you so much!!!!

[superstar]

I was diagnosed with PN in 1999.  It came on suddenly. The doctors said the cause was due to alcoholism.  I had toes removed and feelinghas recently come back to my feet.  I am having a hard time finding something to control the pain.  I have been on Neurotin and Ultram.  I am having a very hard time controlling and dealing with pain.  Not getting any better.  Do you have any suggestions??

[nonnie]

I have been having burning pains in my left foot, just above the toe area.  Everynow and then, it happens in my right foot in the same area.  It doesn't happen everyday, but when it does, it is really painful.  My doctor didn't seem totally concerned, but she did give me some tests, such as Folic acid, Vitamin B12 and blood.  Everything was normal.  Can anyone tell me if it will get worse as far as spreading up my legs, or hands?  Please let me know.  I am not taking anything for the pain.  In fact, the doctor didn't suggest anything.   So, please let me know what the next step is for this problem.  Thank you!

[sfsaint]

I have not been diagnosed with PN, however I have been experiencing the prickly, burning sensations in my legs and numbness, loss of strength in hands etc... This has come after being diagnosed with a dissected carotid artery due to fibromuscular displaysia. Rheumotologist is in process of evaluating all blood tests and MRIs, MRAs, CTs, EEG, spinal taps, cerebral angiograms, etc.. and her preliminary diagnoses is vasculitis of the brain and possibly peripheral nerves. My neurologist originally suspected MS after an episode which landed me in the ER with symptoms of a stroke, but we are going down this path now.  It has been a long and frustrating journey, and I only hope we are heading in the right direction. I've had a difficult time finding comprehensive information which might help in tying all these symptoms and medical terms together. But I have found useful information at the brain talk forum...  Good luck and keep your head up.

[Monny]

I have just been diagnosed with Sensory Neuropathy.  I am finding it difficult to find information on this.  I have been reading everyone's comments, and I was wondering, is this something which gets progressively worse over the years?  I am taking a medication which seems to have helped so far.  I can atleast where shoes and have played tennis,  feels weird, but I did play.  Does this get better with medication?  Has anyone's ever gone away so that you feel 100% normal?  Anything anyone has to say would be of great help. I know many times each case is deifferent, but it is interesting to hear what others have to say. Thanks

[sizetwo]

I certainly do not know what your problem is, but I do know how you feel. I had a diagnositic problem...if it isn't on a film it doesn't exist, right? I was tired of people, including doctors, who thought it was all in my head. I FINALLY found a doctor who knew what was wrong. It took nearly three years. No one knows better than oneselves how and what we feel. Good luck.

[spinner]

I have been diagnosed with PN by MD's @ University Hospital and Cleveland Clinic. The condition started some years ago with painfull feet and numbness and over the past few years has progressed up through my legs and thighs to the point that just walking on most days is a real struggle. My right hand and arm muscles are now becoming rapidly involved. Had a recent episode where I could barely open my hand to release a pan handle. Losing strength and now have to use left hand to open locking gas cap on car. I guess you just have to learn to live with it because after all testing done by MD'S, nothing in the way of medication or other help was suggested. I guess they simply don't know what to tell you. Keep smiling anyway!!

[Concerned lady]

Dear TJD,

I wonder if you might have SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS. Your symptoms sound just like it! It can be easily treated, because it is caused by a fungus, and/or malnutrition, etc.

I wrote a message about how to treat this, over at a good forum, at http://www.braintalk.org

Click on "M-Z", and then scroll down to "Peripheral Neuropathy" and click on that.

Then, look for the "thread" topic by "ITCHYMEE", and you'll find my message, along with others!

Let me know what you think, after you read that "ITCHYMEE" THREAD!! I think you'll be glad you did!

Sincerely, Concerned lady

http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com
***@****

[jeh]

I am having a distressing time.  I started off with tingling intermittently in my left cheek.  About a month ago this became pretty persistent and then spread to the rest of my face and head.  Then electric shock like sensations around my body developed.  I had terrible headaches and neck pains at the time - this might have been the stress I was experiencing.  I had a neurological exam and MRI both came back fine.  They said there was some inflammation in my sinuses that could have caused the tingling in my cheek. Also that there was minor wear and tear on my neck vertebrae.  The problems cleaerd up over Christmas and New Year but now I am dismayed that they are back.  Tingling in the face is intense, with often the feeling of skin creep.  This is the feeling that I get round my body too - all over on and off. Can anyone advise on my next course of action or any means of mitigating htese symptoms?

[Arndell]

I have had serious burning of the second toe on my right foot for several years, but only when I go to bed at night. Never in the day or while I am up and about.  Any suggestions?

[Stumbles]

To party with problem of itching arm.
I had the same exact problem for a couple of months, with no apparent cause except for neuropathy.  My neuropaty has been very slow moving but is in both legs to the knees and now in both hands.  
For some reason, the itching simply stopped and this was all before I started Neurontin (1800 mg.daily).
My Neurologist has told me I am his worse case of non diabetic PN he has.

[TJD]

Ever get the feeling your talking to a distant VOID?

[TJD]

I've consulted many doctors of every type and thus far - no help.
So..... I'm searching for some direction.
My symptom is extremely intense itching (very heat sensitive)in various spots from the wrist to the elbow on either or both arms. The only visible symptom is slight swelling, some redness, in the folds of the arms and sometimes the folds of the wrist. Recently the same symptom has begun to appear on the fold at the back of my neck. My doctor, the allergist, the neuroligist and the dermatologist are all stumped. The only relief is a very cold pack and for the past year I have been taking 600mg of Neurontin to allow me to sleep at night. Any suggestions?

[caregiver]

help! my mother 77 yrs old was recntly diagnosed with non hodgkin
lymphoma.  she started chemo 4 weeks ago and just had her second
course of treatment.  2 weeks after the chemo she experienced
tingling and a severe vibrations throughout her entire body with
a feeling of her entire body being encased from her head to her
toes. numbness was experienced as well. the day she had her chemo
went well and several hours later this experience happened again.
her face was numb and the vibration she felt was so intense that
she could hear it.  i gave her xanax and it did not help.  i put
her in a warm tub and poured water over her for about 30minutes
and she finally was relieved and slept.  this has happened 4 or
5 times since chemo.  i understand that some of the chemo drugs
cause numbness and tingling in the hand and feet but not the
entire body.  her oncologist said it is anxiety.  this is not
anxiety.  i requested a calcium level and will have b12 and folate levels done.  the calicum was very low at 5.3. her potassium was normal.  2 months ago her b12 and folate were normal.  has anyone ever heard of this?  i have asked several
of her doctors and they can not give her any help.

please let me know if someone can helpme.

thank you

[mwb]

i have had the same exact sypmtoms as you describe.  My entire body has the bubbling sensation 24 hours a day, i also have numbness and swelling in the feet, and also my lip has started to twitch.  I have had a thoracic spinal mri, an emg, tons of neuropathy blood tests, and a spinal tap.  Everything has come back normal except my doc said that the emg showed nueropathy but could not narrow it down.  My neurologist is stumped and suggested i go to the mayo clinic or a major chicago university for further testing.  i have been put on neurontin which helps a lot.  I still cannot exercise in any way and i cannot walk for a long time without sitting down for a awhile.  I am frustrated beyond belief and do not know where to go from here.  I have yet to seek further testing due to frustration, expense, and lack of any more vacation time at work.  I have been given every diagnosis in the world from friends and family members and although i appreciate them trying to help I am tired of hearing strange disease names and telling me its all in my head or i just need to see a chiropractor.  Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated on where i should go from here and if you have had any simliar symptoms/situations you could tell me about.  thanks for your ear.  michael

[bluedragonlair]

Hi,
Just wanted to throw my two cents in. I've had PN for several years. When my Diabetes would get out of hand my PN syptoms seemed to increase. I really noticed a big change and a big problem a few years ago, I'd fall for no reason and the periods of time my legs would not work increased. The problems got better but still have periods of burning and stinging on my legs, mostly on right lower leg around my ankle and on my toes. Tight fitting socks, shoes make it worse. Left arm is like has a glove from back of hand up past elbow. Decreased sensation in the areas of my arm that has never got better. Course I also had a stroke a few years ago, and cardio doctor said part of arm might of been from that.
BTW: Get the lab work. It will help identify problems, either PN or others. Thyroid or Folic Acid can be corrected with meds.
Good Luck,
MikeP