host of symptoms

    
      Re: host of symptoms
    


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Posted by ccf neuro M.D.* on September 13, 1997 at 20:34:21:

In Reply to: host of symptoms posted by Elizabeth on September 11, 1997 at 03:12:52:
  For some time I have been experiencing difficulty with my left leg.  At times, it has been so weak that I could barely hold my clutch in on my car.  More recently, I am experiencing some pain and a twisting sensation in it.  I should note that 18 months ago I had my veins stripped and have had some needle work done on varicose veins since
  then.  I also have a problem with my left arm.  My doctor has diagnosed burcitis in my left shoulder but it too is often weak and tingly.  My right eye has pressure behind it and last week was visibly twitching.  This story would not be complete unless I mention that I am currently under a lot of stress being now in my second year of
  intensive psychotherapy.  I hope it is all stress related, but it is impossible to dismiss all of these muscle problems and occasional dizzyness which normally presents itself outside with the change of lighting.  I would appreciate your advice.
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Stress could indeed cause each of the particular symptoms you have mentioned, all of which can be ssen with anxiety disorders. It is always important for patients and doctors alike to remember, however, that stress can precipitate or "unmask" or worsen a previously asymtpomatic medical or neurological problem. The kind of numbness that would be worrisome and more likely to have a neurologic cause is numbness that affects an entire side of the body--- in other words the arm, chest, belly, and leg plus or minus the face, or persistent numbness in a band going down an arm or leg. Physical weakness or heaviness of one side of the body is also more worrisome. Complaints referable to a single arm or leg or to joints of the body and symptoms that are intermittent and not progressive are much less worrisome. Typical somatic or physical symptoms of anxiety or stress type disorders include migratory sharp stabbing pains in the chest or abdomen, hyperventilation, stomach queeziness, lightheadedness, trouble concentrating, chest pain, twitching of different muscles (especially of eye muscles and face muscles), and irritable bowel syndrome, where one has diarrhea alternating with constipation, especially when stressed.
What I would suggest for a circumstance like yours is a one time visit to a neurologist, who can perform a detailed examination of your nervous system; if there is any serious neurologic problem, it will produce some sort of detectable abnormaility on such an examination. If there is such a problem, appropriate testing could be done; and if it is normal, you can be greatly reassured that your symptoms are stress-related and while bothersome, are not dangerous. The peace of mind of knowing this by itself may actually lessen or even CURE such symptoms!!!
Dizziness is a very nonspecific symptom and is not concerning unless other simultaneous neurologic symptoms occur in addition to it. Pressure, or more importantly PAIN behind an eye may be an early sign of eye disease like glaucoma--- a routine eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist would settle this as well.
If you would be interested in seeing a Cleveland Clinic neurologist, our number is 1-800-223-2273, although for these particular symptoms I think any competent neurologist would be sufficient.
Information we provide in the neurology forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only; actual diagnosis and treatment of your specific medical condition should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physician(s). We hope you find the information useful.