What part of the nervous system?

[cmary]

I began with numb sensation in face that turned into muscle spasm that affected my lower face.  Began Neurontin which seemed to help the pain.  Then three weeks later had intermitent numbness in forearms and  upper thighs.  This went on for 2 months and now has began to subside where I only feel a little numbness on the left side of face.  I quit taking the Neurontin and feel a lot better, it made me very tired.  I did have an MRI of the brain and it was normal according to the Radiology Report.  I was checked out breifly by the Neuro in his office and he asked very few questions.  He did ask if I have been having heart palpatations or sleeping problems.  Both of which I am not.  I feel just fine emotionally.  My gut feeling is he wants to lable it as a  psychological reason and put me on medicine for that.  I feel very uncomfortable taking a medicine for something I do not think is the cause, especially when the person has only asked me about 5 questions and knows nothing about my life, etc... I would appreciate another opinion.  I am open to that being a posibility if everything has been exhausted but I feel more info is needed to determine this.  I have since had some bloodwork and it is ok as well.

1. I would like to know what parts of the nervous system could cause numbing sensation in lower face, forarms and upper legs?

2. Does a Neurologist usually look at the MRI films of the brain or is the Radiologist Report enough?  

3. Can unknown anxiety symptoms like this?

I would appreciate any thoughts you may have.  

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

1) This problem would either have to be in the brain or upper cervical cord. It is also possible to have a problem with multiple peripheral nerves, however this is less likely given that you have not motor complaints.

2) You need to ask your neurologist if he reviewed the films. Most neurologists look at the films, however I do not know what your doctors practice is.

3) Anxiety can cause a whole host of symptoms, including sensory symptoms like this. I agree with you that this is a diagnosis of last resort once all other diagnoses have been excluded. It is perfectly reasonable to have a second opinion with another neurologist. If you are by a acdemic center, I would recommend going there. Good luck.

[Mother Margaret]

These are good questions your doctor asked ... sleeping problems?  Heart palpitations?

You didn't say anything about fatigue, but if you had that, too, and these other odd symptoms such as your doctor asked about (which might indicate Central Nervous System and blood problems) then you should check the 'retic' ratio.

If your bone marrow can't keep up with the premature loss of your red blood cells, then the blood is made more in the peripheral organs  AND  that can lead to paralysis.  (There's a medical term for that ... [b]extramedullary hematopoiesis[/b]: red blood cell production outside the vertebrae. Red blood cells are derived from the stem cells in the bone marrow throughout the body. When individuals become severely anemic, there is not enough space in the ctive bone marrow to produce hemoglobin, and the body begins to make blood outside the bone marrow: in the spleen, liver, and sometimes outside the vertebrae, which can compress the spinal cord, leading to paralysis)

This would be important information for CFS which was written by CDC in 1988.  If you compare this definition to the 'gulf war syndrome' symptoms, they are the same.

[sjv]

I was diagnosed with Shingles of the inner ear that paralyzed the 7th crainal nerve, to a 80 % degree. I haven't had any movement to the left side of my face for a month and a half. I am taping my eyelid shut to protect my sight. I cannot close or open my lid. I have been on Phanfir (anti viral) two different sequesnces (two weeks apart) I am getting the blisters back in my ear and my E,N.T says he is at a loss.
What about a differnt med? Physical Therapy? Is it common for Shingles to return? Is there a surgery? I need help.I have the greatest confidence in C.C. Our daughter was hit by a drunk driver and has 26 surgeries, when our physicians were at a stand still here the C.C.physicians were a Godsend. She suffers from ongoing migrains and after four years of these daily she is gettng relief.
Do you have a specialist in this or Bells Palsy (as I have heard it referred to?)