Re: sensory symptoms

Posted By legers on November 08, 1998 at 07:16:50:

In Reply to: Re: sensory symptoms posted by CCF Neurology MD:NT on November 07, 1998 at 23:10:38:






Hi,
I currently underwent a work-up for MS and the doctors have pretty much ruled
it out (80% odds in my favour - there was a small spot on my MRI but symtpoms
do not correlate and no clinical evidence upon examination).
My nerves continue to "move around" usually in the same places (bilaterally
along hands, feet and right upper leg) but they come and go,
they are not constant through the day, about 60-70% of the time.
I have been given no other options as to what may have caused these sensory
problems, I am not diabetic, no medications and am a young female in her  
twenties.  WHat I have noticed is that 1 day after I have taken a hot bath I
develop these pins and needles - like feeling all over my body.  They last for
three to four days.  I have been told that this must be my imaginings because
any effect on my nerves after being exposed to heat usually happens immediately
after exposure and then subsides when cooled down - by the way, I do not feel weak, no blurry vision etc while
in hot water.  Is there anything else that can be causing this kind of a reaction?
Do people sometimes just have sensory problems for no apparent reason?
As you can tell, I am rather mystified and unsettled and would really appreciate
any guidance you can offer,
Thanks very much for your time,
Sarah




Dear Sarah:
As your doctors have mentioned, the exacerbation of symptoms of MS with hot baths, exercise, etc. is usually a rather shortlived phenomenon, and should not last for as long as a few days.
With the available data, I unfortunately do not have a good explanation for you intermittent symptoms. A peripheral nervous system problem (such as a periphetral sensory neuropathy) of course needs to be ruled out by a careful clinical exam and an EMG test. While it is possible that individuals have migratory sensory symptoms for no clear reason, I certainly think that a very close search should be made for neuropathies and other neurological problems.
Good luck!
Would blurred or distorted vision after a hot bath or shower be any indication?
Thank you