morning stiffness and balance problems

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome with chronic migraine headaches.  I have also experience varied symptoms of numbness, muscle twitching and neuralgias in face, head and extremities.  All of these have been attributed to this diagnosis.  I have tried a wide variety of medications to treat these symptoms and am currently on nadolol 60mg/day and neurontin 2700 mg/day.  Upon waking in the past few months, I have experienced intense muscle stiffness in lower legs and feet, and loss of balance.  These symptoms gradually get better over the course of the day, but never really go away.  Could these symptoms be caused by the neurontin, or are they also part of post-concussion syndrome?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Deb:

One can never be sure about medications, but if you have been on these medications for several months without these symptoms of balance problems and muscle stiffness it is unlikely that your symptoms are from these medications.  Neurontin side effects are usually a fatique feeling with maybe a slight headache and upset stomach, not intense muscle stiffness.  Nadolol is a beta blocker, which might cause orthostatic hypotension and hence balance problems, but not muscle stiffness.  I am not sure what is causing your symptoms, but likely not your medication.

CCF Neuro MD

[Deb]

Thanks so much for your response.  I am getting increasingly frustrated with my current neurologist- not getting my questions answered, just being handed more prescriptions.  I know that he may be absolutely right in brushing aside a number of problems, attributing them to the original trauma, but I need to know this for certain. It just seems that things should have at least stabilized after 3 years.  Could you possibly recommend a neurologist in the Boston area who might be able to give me some answers?  Thanks!

[heather]

Deb,

I totally understand your frustration.  I too have intense muscle stiffness AND the balance problems which are worse in the morning and get better in the evening but never really go away.  I was diagnosed as B12 deficient and have been receiving shots for 6 months with no relief yet.

What are you other symptoms?

Heather

[Nanny]

Dear Deb  I awaken with the same severe muscle stiffness and a tingling that is always there but most noticeable first thing in the morning. I had a nerve induction test that revealed tarsal tunnel syndrome and have been diagnosed with significant spinal stenosis. This goes from midcalf all the way to the toes but doesn't hurt a lot just annoys the heck out of you. If surgery to correct the stenosis would get rid of it it would be worth it. You would have to have an mri done to check and see if you have ss. Let me know if you find any answers.  Nanny

[Deb]

Heather and Nanny,
Thanks for your responses.  It really helps to know that there are others out there who suffer from unexplained symptoms.  Yes, I have had recent muscle stiffness and balance problems, but this is after three years of other related? symptoms.  This all began with a seemingly minor mva which left me with recurring facial numbness/tingling, cognitive problems, and chronic migraines.  Numbness and tingling migrated to other areas and led to sharp pains, including facial. Also muscle vibrating and twitching, burning feet- I'm sure you've heard all these before.  I've met up with a great deal of frustration trying to find the source of these problems, receiving lots of medications, but no real answers.  I'm seeing a new neuro in a couple of weeks.  Hope to hear a new approach then.  If not, then I'll know that I'm doing all that I can.  Thanks again for your posts.  It helps to know that there are caring people out there!!

                                                

[Leah]

Deb: Just found this forum & your question, so hope I'm not out of line with my reply.
Have you considered fibromyalgia? Seems like a lot of your symptoms could be related to it, and it's frequently brought on by MVA. I have been diagnosed with FM, & I really feel for you with the morning stiffness & balance problems, as I struggle with them daily.
Not saying that you must have this since I have it & the symptoms sound the same, just suggesting as a possibility. (P.S. my neurologist gave up in exasperation with my multiple & varied symptoms in '92; I was finally diagnosed at Mayo in '94)
Leah

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