Strange sensations

Hi,

I am a 22 year old female. Three months ago I lost the function of my left leg (it felt like my hip was turning out, and my leg began dragging behind me). This has reoccured two more times. I went to the doctor and he said he thought I had sciatica. (there was no real weakness in my leg, I could still walk on my toes and on my heels, etc).
I have since developed a tingling sensation that goes down my back and into my legs. Sometimes it travels down my arms, too. There is nothing particular that triggers it, although sometimes it seems that I am very sensitive to touch, and tilting my head upward aggravates it more. More often it just happens for no apparant reason. I also have a tingling feeling in my left foot, and sometimes it feels like very small electric jolts are coming out of the balls of my feet. The fingertips of my left hand tingle (especially my thumb and ring finger). I went to a neurologist, he performed an exam and said I seemed normal, and it was very unlikely I have MS. I would like to put faith in the doctor, however there wasn't any testing beyond that one visit.
For a few years now I have also had random occurances where the top of my left hand feels as though it is tingling for a brief moment. It lasts for about 2-5 seconds. I have been overall in good health except for often feeling fatigued. Is this worth a second opinion? My family members say that they think I'm overly stressed - which is true, I have had some very stressful events happen over the past two years... I personally think I may be developing a bit of fibromyalgia. Thanks!

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

I cannot give you a clinical diagnosis over the internet

It does not seem like MS is excluded at this point, as between MS attacks the neurological examination can be normal, particularly in early MS.
Your symptoms seem to localize to the spinal cord, for instance, the fact that the symptoms are aggravated by head tilting supports this
If you have not had an MRI of the spinal cord (especially the cervical/neck region), you should
Also, as some of the symptoms, if caused by MS, could be coming from above the spinal cord, so a brain MR would be useful also.
There are other potential causes too which could be looked into, such as Vitamin B12 deficiency, Lyme disease etc
A second opinion may be a good idea if you have not had the above tests.
Good luck

[sk1220]

I wanted to also mention that I have never been on any medication. Thanks!

[archlinds]

I have experienced sensations similar to those you describe over the last 4 months or so.  I too was first diagnosed with Sciatica, referred to a neurologist and sent throught the tests that assured my doctor that it is not MS.  The final diagnosis - although I am suspicious and still monitoring the symptoms - is Peripheral Neuropathy.  It is very common and sometimes caused by the unexplainable.  It may be worth looking into.

[catr]

Hello I have the same symptoms - I have had many tests and no diagonses. my neuro says stress, but it is hard to believe because of these symptoms and i have everyday stress as anyone else would.  my symptoms started three years ago, subsided for one year and came back month ago, it is very dissapointing.  I noticed on my chart that i have fibromyalgia but the second nero said that is just a fancy word for stress.  i wish you all the best and comment back if you like maybe we can help each other.

[sk1220]

Hi,

It is very nice to know I'm not the only one. I've been very afraid of some terrible things. Nothing really adds up because I am feeling all of these weird neurological-type sensations, but my mind seems to be good (minus a little attentivness). It has caused a lot of anxiety as well. Are you very sensitive to touch? Any touch sends shivers all the way up my head and down my legs, it's awful. I also can't stand the thought of temperature change. Like, if it's 72 degrees and I go outside into the cold I can't stand it. And if I've been in the cold and I go into the 72 degree place I can't stand it either. I think this is all probably just stress... And most of it started after I was referred to a neurologist which stressed me out greatly!!

- Susie

[heypaula]

I have the same type of symptoms and have been diagnosed with Syringomyelia. Have they done an MRI on you? Cervical, Throacic and Lumbar? Something to look into. Sounds so much like my symptoms.