Symptoms

[chris]

My question is can anxiety and panic attacks cause neurological
symptoms. I have this one symptom the comes and goes
I feel like my left arm and leg  gets weak  they feel kinda weird
I can't really explain it but I know it gets worse the more I worry about it.  I also get alot of pressure like headache as well.  I've been to my doctor  a few times now and he still  think it's related to stress and my panic attacks. My question is when should I worry because these symptoms are so real and scary that I can't tell if it's real or anxiety.
Thank you for your time you guys are great.
Thanks again

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Chris:

We think that anxiety, fatique, fear, etc. can make neurological symptoms worse.  However, one has to be concerned that the symptoms are real and that anxiety is making them worse and not causings them.  Our perception of reality can vary according to our mental state.  This does not make the symptoms less real to the individual however.  If a full work up was done, then your symptoms might be due to a conversion disorder, anxiety, etc.  I would first make sure that the symptoms are not real.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[nancy]

Have you been evaluated my a neurologist yet?  Your symptoms may be related to anxiety but other things should be ruled out first.  Im going through some bad neurological symptoms myself, and they tell me they think it may be anxiety because they dont know what else it could be right now.  Hope you find your answers.

[Randy]

What is a conversion disorder?

[Maureen]

Hi Randy, I have been going through five weeks of tingling in my arms, legs, hands, feet, and face.  At first all I had was a little tingling in my left leg, and I got so scared about it that I had an anxiety attack, and it spread to the rest of my body in minutes.  I also have muscle twitches almost every day, that can happen in any part of my body.  I've been to two nuerologists, and one ms specialist.  They all say it's anxiety.  The last nuero I saw gave me an mri of the brain, and it came out normal.  He said he would have seen something in me office exam if there was an indication of ms.  All these nuerologists truly believe I do not have ms, and it's anxiety.  I don't know what to believe, I wonder if I have to wait to get really sick to find out what's wrong with me, or if the doctors are right and I don't have ms?  I hope their right!!  One nuero said the tingling wouldn't have spread that quick if it was ms, another said it wouldn't be all over my body if it was ms, and the ms specialist, an older man from spain said he was so sure it wasn't ms that he would write it down on paper without testing me!!  Doctor if you happen to come across this message could you give me some advice if you think I should believe these doctors?  I'm a 23 year old female, four months post partum.  And Randy I hope for both our sakes it is anxiety.  The brain is a very powerful thing, so I'm sure it can create physical symptoms, but let's just hope it is a passing thing.  If anyone has any advice for me, I'd appreciate it thank you.

[Annette]

Dear Maureen:

Since several doctors are in agreement about your symptoms and your tests are normal, I would have to agree that it sounds like anxiety. Additionally, tingling sensations such as you describe can occur during periods of anxiety and are usually caused by shallow and rapid breathing. Slow, rhythmic deep breathing can help alleviate this symptom. Relaxation training and meditation are helpful ways of dealing with anxiety. There are also non-addictive drugs a doctor can prescribe which can help block anxiety attacks. So I would listen to what your doctors say, and focus on getting treatment for anxiety.

Hope this helps,
Annette

[Maureen]

I'm sorry, I meant to address my comment to Chris, and I wrote Randy by accident, so the message was to you Chris.  Thanks for any advice.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Maureen:

One would see dramatic muscle changes if you had both parasthesias and fasciculations from MS.  Any neurologist would have been able to pick up the changes on physical exam.  Being postpartum for 4 months no doubt you are stressed with family, baby, post-partum depression (maybe) etc.  This is a transition time for you and you are really susceptible to anxiety, stress, depression, etc.  I would believe the neurologists that you have seen.  If you are breast feeding I would probably not take medication, but if you need medication to help you through this period be assured that many an infant has been bottle fed and most all are doing quite well, thank you.

Hang-in there.  

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[From Maureen to CCF nuero]

Thank you for your advice doctor.  No one told me that I would experiance muscle changes with this, so I'm glad I know that now.  My nuero did say he would have seen something in my office exam, so that's probably what he meant.  I think it's great that you take your time out to help people on the internet.  I'll try to take my doctor's, and your advice.  To tell you the truth, I would have believed the doctor's right from the beginning if I didn't have this computer, that allows me to read all these horror stories of misdiagnoses, normal mri's but still having ms, being told it's all in your head ect...  I think I have to stay away from the ms sites, and listen to the experts on ms, and nuerological diseases.  Thank you again

[CCF Neuro[P] MD,RPS]

your welcome.

CCF Neuro MD

[Marie Yeager]

This is addressed to all.  I've been having problems for five years now and I had an MRI done two years ago and I had five spots.  I'm still complaining about weekness, numbness, tingling, & anxiety.  My family doctor ruled out MS two years ago.  So just recently I complained again when I went to the urgent care facility for a bad sinus infection.  The doctor said lets run another MRI and see if their are any changes.  She called me back and said you had changes and looks like early stages of MS.  Now I await to see the Nerologist.  This should be interesting.

[Jill]

I have a similar situation in that I have had tingling, numbness, and now achiness in my left leg and arm for 14 months. It started Labor Day weekend of 1998 when I was standing in line at Disney. My left leg and arm started feeling warm prickely sensations. My doctor gave me an exam which was normal but also did an MRI of the brain. Since then, I have had a spinal MRI and Evoked Response Partial test. Everything is normal but my left arm and leg are asleep most mornings and my left leg has pain that moves around. I am very concerned that the doctors are missing something. Any advice??

[Jill]

My above message is directed to the doctors at this web site. I need advice as to who to consult, if anyone, next. As I stated, my symptoms started out out as tingling and now are more weak feeling (left arm) and achy pain in my left leg. Mostly this achiness is in the inguinal area where my leg meets my torso. Also, my left arm and leg often are asleep upon waking. None of my symptoms have ever been on my right side. Is that odd? The one other symptom I sometimes have is a wave of tingling that goes through my head. These symptoms are nothing I can't live with but I'm obviously concerned that they are the beginning of something worse-like MS. Can stress bring on this kind of thing? I have three young boys and have recently moved from VA to FL- big change!

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Jill:

I would get a second opinion from a good neurologist.  The reason is for your mindset.  Rule out other possibilities then you will have a better mindset if all the tests come back normal.  It is easilier to combat disease if you know what your dealing with.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Jill]

Thank you for your response. My neurologist who I have been seeing since October of 1998 sent me to a revered neurologist at USF for a second opinion. She said she could not diagnos MS and that she has 100 patients who have various symptoms similar to mine and who never develop a disease. The second opinion was the same and he even said he did not think ms was a possible diagnosis because my exam is normal and my three MRIs and the optic nerve test were normal. Could this be stress in your opinion? I want to try to not think about it but,on the other hand, if I have something wrong with me I want to start figuring out what to do. What would you do?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Jill:

Since you have had a second opinion and both the initial and second examiners thought that your exam is normal, the likelihood of having MS is remote.  Since all the tests are normal, one would assume that you have anxiety related symptoms.

CCF Neuro MD

[angela marie]

I am a 38 yr. old female and have recently been inducted into this world of neurology. Three months a go I started experiencing a tightening sensation in the middle of my forehead, this was followed by tingling and a tightness sensation all over my face. It continued for 5 weeks, then a two week repreive. It has begun again starting with the tightening sensation in my forehead then the tingling and tightness in my cheeks. I have also experienced a couple of episodes of tingling in my upper legs. I have been referred to a neurologist but must wait almost 2 months for the appointment. I do not experience any numbness or loss of sensation. I am of course very concerned about MS. How soon could tests be done to rule this out. Thanks.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Angela Marie:

Once your neurologist does a thorough neurological exam and history, he/she will decide on whether the history and exam fit MS.  If he/she makes this decision then likely a spinal tap to examine the CSF,a MRI of the brain and lab work will be performed.  These can usually be done promptly within days.  The results of which should take only a few days at most places or institutes.  In most cases, MS is a slowly replasing/remitting disorder (hence the name multiple) and a few months shouldn't change the outcome.  At least physically, emotionally not knowing the diagnosis can be very trying.  Your symptoms might be from another cause and in that case, and the lab work plus physical exam will help begin to differentiate these possibilities.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[kim]

I'm having weird symptoms like many of you.  Intermittent episodes of right side tingling/buzzing/vibrating for 6 months now.  However, the last episode (beginning 12 weeks ago) hasn't ebbed completely like former attacks.  It's better but not gone -- good days, bad days.  Furthermore, the tingling sensations have changed to weakness/heaviness (as in feel like I will collapse some days) and now my left side is also involved although to a much lesser degree than the right side.

Have been to two neurologists who both think this is anxiety and have referred me to a psychiatrist.  All tests (numerous blood tests, Brain and C-spine MRI, EPs, and EMG) are all normal.  I find it peculiar that your mind could do this but am willing to do anything in order to get better.

I've been on antidepressants (Remeron at night and Xanax as needed for anxiety during the day) for 2 months but haven't really noticed a marked difference.  I rarely take the Xanax because I don't "feel" anxious.  I'm starting cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques as well.  

My questions are:
1) How soon should I see improvement using the antidepressants?
2) What can a psychiatrist offer me that my internist can't?
3) I had terrible insomnia 2 years prior to starting the Remeron.  Could sleep deprivation have anything to do with my symptoms?
4) I had lengthy post-partum depression lasting for 6 months after having my baby 2 years ago.  I never sought treatment for that because I thought I was better.  Could that have anything to do with this?
5) How long should I wait to see my neurologist for re-evaluation if symptoms don't clear up?

Thanks in advance...  Kim.  P.S. This is a WONDERFUL service!

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Kim:

Please see your other posting.  Antidepressants usually take a little while before they work.  I would give them a couple of weeks.  Anxiety is a different issue and the medications help but most of the time the cure is rather limited as there are so many variables to anxiety.  Since you recovered from your post-partum depression, this should not have an effect.  I would ask your neurologist when he/she would like to see you again.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Mona]

My question is to the neurologists.  I injured my back at work in October of 97.  I did assembly of regulators.  I reached down in the floor and picked up a tub of regulators that weighed about 35 lbs. and turned to set then on my work station.  I immediately felt severe pain in my lower back region and down my right leg.  Within a few minutes I started having a burning sensation in my front right thigh.  I went to the doctor and was treated for muscle strain.  Had physcal therapy that increased my pain and have gone downhill ever since.  I had blocks that did not help at all.  MRI showed slight bulge at L5-S1 and at L1. Was told the pain could be comimg from L5-S1 and more therapy and time should clear it up.  Had mylegram and told they could clean up the area and should be just fine.  After surgery I am having numbness at back of lower leg just above the ankle and if I stand a few minutes my foot goes numb.  I have no reflexes in my right ankle.  I have started the burning in the front of both legs and horrible aching in the right leg.  I also have burning pain in the lower back and sharp and breath taking pain that seems to run up my spine when I work with my hands.  I was told by the nuerologist that he had done everything that he could and it would just take time.  I was sent to a pain specialist.  I had a Spinal cord stimulator implanted in August of 99.  I had to quit my job because of severe pain after the implant.  Pain specialists said I am having muscle spasms and put me on muscle relaxers that I can not tell are doing anything.  I started having panic attacks immediately after the implant.  I am on paxil, muscle relaxers, pain medication and prevacid.  Do you think I could have a nerve pinched that might be able to be fixed?  Do you think someone out there could help me get my life back.  I need badly to work.  I am in so much pain I have trouble keeping my house straightened up.  I will be 40 this year and have three boys and a husband that I want to be able to help support and enjoy life with.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Mona:

As you well know, surgery is the very last option and should never be done without several consulations and alot of thought and prayer.  Most of the time the outcome is a **** shoot.  The only real lesions helped are those that are mechanical (induced by movement) and severe degeneration.  A pinched nerve sends pain downward as that is the direction of the nerve from the spinal cord.  I am not sure what could be causing an upward radiation of pain in the spinal column.  The parasthesias or numbness and pain could be due to a nerve problem.  I would go see your surgeon and neurologist. Tell them your problem, see if they thing this might be a new lesion or process. You may benefit from a repeat MRI to see if there is a problem in the cord. If you do not get any action, then I would get a second opinion from another neurologist.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[SallyAnn]

I have been having trouble at the T-12 level for about 10 years now. I can not use my arms for any period of time, stand in one place or walk without a burning sensation starting at this level and it feels like the muscle has turned into raw meat. Pain will shoot all over my body even is I sit or lay down and dont move a muscle. If I move a toe it shoots throuh me or a finger it shoots. It also draws my right shoulder toward the back. It now hurts to lay down or sit. I had a MRI done and they found nothing because it was not hurting at the time of the test (thats my opinion). I have taken every kind of anti inflamatory on the market, pain pills. I am now on Ultram, Celebrex and Robaxin...they are no longer working. I have had shots in the lower part of my spine hoping it would travel up but it did no good as well.

My question is, could a muscle be spasming and pressing on a nerve and causing it to become inflamed, or does it sound like a disc problem or spinal?

And, can a pinched nerve be detected when its not inflamed?

IM grasping now....hope you can give me something for my own peace of mind.

[SallyAnn]

I have been having trouble at the T-12 level for about 10 years now. I can not use my arms for any period of time, stand in one place or walk without a burning sensation starting at this level and it feels like the muscle has turned into raw meat. Pain will shoot all over my body even is I sit or lay down and dont move a muscle. If I move a toe it shoots throuh me or a finger it shoots. It also draws my right shoulder toward the back. It now hurts to lay down or sit. I had a MRI done and they found nothing because it was not hurting at the time of the test (thats my opinion). I have taken every kind of anti inflamatory on the market, pain pills. I am now on Ultram, Celebrex and Robaxin...they are no longer working. I have had shots in the lower part of my spine hoping it would travel up but it did no good as well.

My question is, could a muscle be spasming and pressing on a nerve and causing it to become inflamed, or does it sound like a disc problem or spinal?

And, can a pinched nerve be detected when its not inflamed?

IM grasping now....hope you can give me something for my own peace of mind.

[SallyAnn]

I have been having trouble at the T-12 level for about 10 years now. I can not use my arms for any period of time, stand in one place or walk without a burning sensation starting at this level and it feels like the muscle has turned into raw meat. Pain will shoot all over my body even is I sit or lay down and dont move a muscle. If I move a toe it shoots throuh me or a finger it shoots. It also draws my right shoulder toward the back. It now hurts to lay down or sit. I had a MRI done and they found nothing because it was not hurting at the time of the test (thats my opinion). I have taken every kind of anti inflamatory on the market, pain pills. I am now on Ultram, Celebrex and Robaxin...they are no longer working. I have had shots in the lower part of my spine hoping it would travel up but it did no good as well.

My question is, could a muscle be spasming and pressing on a nerve and causing it to become inflamed, or does it sound like a disc problem or spinal?

And, can a pinched nerve be detected when its not inflamed?

IM grasping now....hope you can give me something for my own peace of mind.

[jez]

Hi,
I am a 41 yr old Mum, of 2 boy 21 & 18. Not long after my youngest was born, I had been sitting on the loungeroom floor watching the telly, got up slowly coz of stiff legs, henc I couldn't walk. I was sent to an orthopedic specialist, had my spine x rayed, ther is a small like tooth bone hanging off a vertebrae at the top of my spine. Which had pinced causing me not to walk. I was 32 at the time 10 years have past , I have had 2 strokes, after the first I have ha continuing numbess tingling, and electric shocks in hands, and all over the body,including my head, a sharp pain in the back of my head ha been persistant. Over the past 2/3 years, I have had a stinging sensation in my chin & throat, making my arms weak, feeling like they are swelling and burning, the throat also has the buring snesation. during the 2/3 an xray of the spine show a fusion of dic 5 & 6 . No operation has been done to fuse. My eyes have also been affected, I now have tunnel vision. I am concerned at the moment that the orginal tooth bone on the vetebrae at the top of the spine is continually pinching the nerve causing all these problems.

[June McConnell]

I had had a lot of numbness in my hands and couldn't write
because of this and the only thing that helped me was my
chiropractor--It was caused by pinched nerves in the spinal
column--I have been to four different chiropractors and have
found one to be excellent--He has eliminated numbness and a lot
of back pain due to an injury I had when I was twelve--I hope
you're as lucky as I am, and can find someone with "the touch"
to make your life easier--I'm 72 and feel so fortunate to have
someone to go to whom I can trust--GOOD LUCK--