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Sudden arm weakness episodes
Does anyone know what could cause acute episodes of weakness in both arms, neck and back of shoulders? My 89 year old generally healthy Mom has been having these episodes for the past 3 months or so. The first episode led us to the ER, we had no idea of what was happening. She had been sitting eating when her arms became so heavy as well as her head ,neck and shoulders that she wanted to put her head on the table. She could not grip or squeeze as both arms were so weak. This sensation lasted about a few hours and finally after EKG, CxR, labs neuro exam all normal, she was sent home with no answers. The subsequent episodes have been less intense, but sill disabling. usually they last about 5 minutes or slightly longer, but after the acute phase she feels very tired and lies down for several hours. The next day she feels fine again. She has been seen by a Neurologist, (results were normal), referred to a Cardiologist who ordered a 24 hour Holter monitor, Stress Test with contrast and Nuclear Scan. All tests have been negative. Labs are normal. Nothing is standing out as a problem at this point. She is an active 890 year old, driving, cooking, shopping traveling, sewing, reading, emailing ! Anyone have any ideas as to what this could be or anything else to test for?
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have you checked her denture adhesive? Zinc can cause these symptoms. Many companies are now leaving zinc out but there are still questions as to the safety of the remaining ingredients as combined in denture products. Maybe switch to Secure brand denture products to decrease risk and research what tests could determine if zinc could be a part of the problem. Her doctor should be aware this possibility because of all the increased attention in the news and lawsuits against manufacturers.
I suffer similary symptoms as your mother. I suffer from restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome which is closely associated with peripheral neuropathy. I have similar episodes where I am awakened from sleep and can feel my arms going numb. I have seen a neurologist and a general practitioner who found nothing wrong. I have also got an ECG and an exercise stress test done both of which were negative. I am not surprised the neurological examination and ECG reports of your mother were normal.I think your mother gets episodes of what is known as a transient ischemic stroke which incidently a symptom of autonomic neuropathy.
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It sounds like the doctors are missing something. I had a similar "episode" to the one your mom had many, many years ago. It scared the hell out of me!! I thought I was having a stroke! and the doctors sent me to Lahey Clinic where they ran tests and diagnosed "peripheral neuropathy".... I did a search on this site and this is part of what I found.
Symptoms
The symptoms depend on which type of nerve is affected. The three main types of nerves are sensory, motor, and autonomic. Neuropathy can affect any one or a combination of all three types of nerves. Symptoms also depend on whether the condition affects the whole body or just one nerve (as from an injury).
SENSATION CHANGES
Damage to sensory fibers results in changes in sensation, burning sensations, nerve pain, tingling or numbness, or an inability to determine joint position, which causes incoordination.
For many neuropathies, sensation changes often begin in the feet and progress toward the center of the body with involvement of other areas as the condition worsens.
MOVEMENT DIFFICULTIES
Damage to the motor fibers interferes with muscle control and can cause weakness, loss of muscle bulk, and loss of dexterity. Sometimes, cramps are a sign of motor nerve involvement.
Other muscle-related symptoms include:
Lack of muscle control
Difficulty or inability to move a part of the body (paralysis)
Muscle atrophy
Muscle twitching (fasciculation) or cramping
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Falling (from legs buckling or tripping over toes)
Lack of dexterity (such as being unable to button a shirt)
AUTONOMIC SYMPTOMS
The autonomic nerves control involuntary or semi-voluntary functions, such as control of internal organs and blood pressure. Damage to autonomic nerves can cause:
Blurred vision
Decreased ability to sweat
Dizziness that occurs when standing up or fainting associated with a fall in blood pressure
Heat intolerance with exertion (decreased ability to regulate body temperature)
Nausea or vomiting after meals
Abdominal bloating (swelling)
Feeling full after eating a small amount (early satiety)
Diarrhea
Constipation
Unintentional weight loss (more than 5% of body weight)
Urinary incontinence
Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Difficulty beginning to urinate (urinary hesitancy)
Male impotence
What scares me is that you say it has happened a few times and that she drives!! I think that her driving could be very dangerous! I am thankful that I only had that one episode, which involved my arms. That one episode scared me to death! The helpless feeling of NOT being able to lift my arms up!!
Please check into it... it does sound awfully similar and good luck!! Please keep me updated!
((hugs)) precious_woman