neurological problems/gait/clonus

[crystaly]

Hi, Ive had a gait problem for nearly 2 years,with clonus, muscle atrophy, burning stinging and electrical pain in most parts of my body.. I did have a full range of tests two years ago but all were in normal range. Clonazepam was prescribed for clonus(stopped it) amitrypaline and coedine for nerve pain. I have recently developed new symptoms eg dry eye syndrome, problems with my throat swallowing , chest pain/ pressure and very swollen salivary glands along with lump along left side of jawline ,
The clonus and gait problem are definately exercise related, My mobility at the moment is severly limited, toe spasms any slight change in temperature make them lock and I can't voluntarily move them. I had a ck blood test which was 52 (normal range I believe) Apart from this I have had no tests for two years . Would you recommend more tests in the light of new symptoms?
Do some neurological conditions take a while to show up on an mri scan? Could this be related to another condition eg. more specifically I did have a mastoidectomy many years ago . I had part of my mastoid bone removed as the abcess had burst and I was very ill. Be grateful for your opinion.

[aerotunes]

Hello crystaly,
I wandered into this site via a Google search for clonus.  My medical history is quite complicated.  In 2002 I had a brain surgery for a Meningioma and they found an acoustic Neuroma in the same MRI.  I received Stereotactic Radiation for the AN in 2004.  I was later diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type II at Mass. General.  In 2005 I had a 15cm cyst in my neck and in August I had a spinal fusion for C-5-C6 (I use to be an USAF fighter pilot 25 years ago).
I also experience clonus and clonazapam worked well.  I am wondering about your swollen salivary glands and it

[crystaly]

I did have brain mri, nerve conduction study and blood tests 2 years ago which were normal range but have had no new tests since this date. I will discuss the issues you have mentioned when I return to see my neurologist in the light of my new symptoms. Thank you yet again for your response.

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

I cannot give you a formal medical opinion unfortunately as this site is purely educational

Your symptoms would localize best to the spinal cord, and a range of tests looking for inflammation, nutritional deficiency, autoimmune disease, infection or structural lesions are usually done in the investigation of a suspected spinal cord syndrome (blood, MRI and spinal fluid testing). I do noy know how much of this evalauation you have had done. Dry eyes and mouth and swollen salivary glands can represent 'sicca syndrome' or 'sjogren's syndrome' , realted to the bodies own immune system attacking these areas. A salivary gland or lacrimal gland biopsy can diagnose it. It can also be assocaited with spinal cord lesions and antibodies tests for sjogrens syndrome (SSA and B antibodies) can be tested for.

An MRI will usually show a significant spinal cord problem, but sometimes appears normal, in which case spinal fluid analysis may be more helpful. A repeat MRI may show an area of thinning of there was a prior injury or a bright spot if there are any recent area affected.

I can't tie the mastoidectomy with the symptoms. I would consult with your neurologist though on your new symptoms and discuss the need for any further testing and treatment

Good luck

[crystaly]

Thanks I have checked out Lyme . Don't think its Lyme. I will mention it to my neuro when I go in July. XX chris

[crystaly]

Forgot to add I,m female 47yrs previously in good health prior to these problems.

[kwag]

Check into Lyme.