Symptom + Symptom + Symptom = ????

    
      Re: Symptom + Symptom + Symptom = ????
    


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Neurology Forum ] [ FAQ ]



Posted by CCF Neuro MD on August 13, 1997 at 22:09:52:

In Reply to: Symptom + Symptom + Symptom = ???? posted by Elizabeth on July 20, 1997 at 20:36:10:

:   I saw an opthamologist last week due to a blurred spot in my lower right
  field of vision of my right eye. He saw a cotton wool spot, but was puzzled
  as to why I had one, and wants to see me again this week.I have no other
  vision symptoms. I do have several other symptoms and am wondering if these
  are all somehow related. Very infrequently my right ear begins to ring and
  then seems to "stop up". This lasts for maybe 5 seconds, during which time
  I feel dizzy. More frequently (every month or two) I experience tingling
  in my head and sometimes on my face. I frequently experience tingling in my
  hands and feet. I have mitral valve prolapse and experience irregular
  heartbeats daily, although I have been off medication for this for over two
  years. I've read that tingling extremeties can be associated with MVP.
  About 4 years ago, I had an MRI to check for MS which showed no lesions. I
  have no other symptoms of any kind. Although none of these symptoms is
  bothersome enough to interfere with my life I'm worried that, put together,
  they might add up to something that could. I'm 33 and weigh 125 lbs. at 5'4"
  I have two children and am not currently expecting. Could anyone make sense
  of all this and point me in the right direction?
  Thanks so much for your time.  

===========================================================================
Dear Elizabeth:
I can understand your concerns. Obviously, without seeing you and examining you, it is not possible to come up any accurate diagnosis. I do, however, suspect that there may not be a unifying diagnosis to explain all your symptoms. it is more likely, I think, that you have you have a few unrelated problems that are causing your symptoms. For instance, the ringing of the right ear and dizziness seem to point to a primary inner-ear problem. In contrast, the fleeting tingling in the extremities may not represent any major problem at all.
I suggest that you seek a second neurological opinion, at the very least for your own peace of mind. You could visit an academic neurology department near where you live; if that is near Cleveland, you could consult with any of the neurologists at the Cleveland Clinic. The number to call for appointments is [phone], or [phone] toll free.
I wish you the best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.