tingling/numbness

[steve]

About 3 years ago I was referred to a neurologist because I had muscle fasiculations and a strange feeling in my legs.  An EMG EEG ECG and CT scan of the brain were done and all negative.  At that point I asked if he thought it was MS and he said it was unlikely.
About 3 months ago I started to have tingling in both of my feet (bottom sides only).  This does not happen when I am laying flat, only when I am sitting, and I have not noticed it when I stand.  I also have a strange sensation in the arches of both feet.  I have no muscle weakness and I actually feel better when I workout at the gym.  

I am wondering about the following:
Could this be MS?
How common is it for MS to manifest itself without weakness, or vision problems as a symptom?



Thanks for your help!

[Melissa]

I have recurring numbness/tingling in my arms and legs. It starts in my hands or feet and then gradually travels up over the course of several months. Last time I had it I was pregnant (with my third) and mentioned it to my ob/gyn and didn't tell her I had had it before - she said it was fairly common during pregnancy and not to worry. Anyway, my baby is now 5 months old and it has returned. It started in my right lower leg, then moved to my left hand, now my right arm and is slowly moving into the rt side of my face. My ob/gyn has referred me to a neurologist, but I have to wait weeks! Yesterday I felt like I couldn't move my arms and legs properly when I went for a walk - mind you I was also feeling pretty distressed. Obviously I am worried about MS. Is there anything else it might be? My fatigue and forgetfulness are also normal for any mother of three children under 6! This is the fourth time these episodes have occurred in three years, twice when I was pregnant and each episode seems to last for abour three months.
Thanks, Melissa

[Susana Massey]

I recently had an EMG and was told that I had Ulnar Nerve Compression at the elbow, probably due to excess stress to that area when I sleep with my hand or arm underneath me.  I have not had this problem with my other side, only my left.  When I first noticed what was wrong with me I thought I was having a heart attack or something because my arm felt like it was asleep and my whole hand felt numb and tingly.  It sort of felt like I had been sitting on my hand, which I had not.  I had not been doing anything out of the ordinary.  It just happned all of a sudden.  I could not go to sleep that night, and then when I attempted to, the pain shot up to my shoulder and had an aching feeling near my wrist and elbow. I am scheduled to have a MRI, this makes me think it could be something else.  I have had the following symptoms for 2 months:
1. Occasional aches near elbow area (very rarely though)
2. Numbness of the side of my left hand and ring and pinky fingers.
3. The above mentioned sysmptom is worse as the day progresses and has been continuosly present this whole time.
**Any anwers to this is much appreciated**

[katie armstrong]

I have tremmors in my neck teeth arms and hands. I seem to havea hard time relaxing because of loss of control. I have raynauds disease, and was taking adalat 30 mg for that. I am in the process of getting off of that for the summer, so that I can take inderal. I started the inderal 40 mg 12 days ago and it seems to have helped some. I hit a horse going 60 miles an hour 32 years ago, and have had problems with my neck and right side ever since. I have degenerative disk disease, and my last fusion was a fusion of 3 vertebrae in my cervical spine. At that point I became disabled from work, which has been 9 years ago. This trembling feels to me like it comes from my neck and up the back of the head, and right shoulder. I have hiatal hernia, and take 30mg of prevacid for at least 4 years. I take 150 mg of wellbutrin 2 times a day, sometimes once, and I take halcion at night. I started on paxel about 2 months ago or 3, and now inderal. The pharmacy doesn't like to fill my prevacid as it should only be taken for 4 months, but I just cant find any relief for the gas and heartburn I have without it. I was taking 15 mg in am and 30 mg at night, and have just quit the 15 mg a week ago or so. While I was recovering from the neck fusion, I would complain to the orthopedist about the right side of my neck, and he would just look at me and not comment. I has become worse through the years. I have had mri about 3 or 4 years ago and it showed some change but nothing significant, and have had the needle test to my neck also. (eeg) I guess. That has probably been 3 or 4 years ago also. This tremmors my Dr tells me are familial tremmors. My Dad and his first daughter had Bell's Palsy, and my Dad was treated for Parkinsons's disease for 18 years. He finally went to another Dr and was told he didn't have that, but it was some kind of neurological disorder, and the change in meds helped him a little. I keep holding my throat on both sides of my adams apple, and it is a little sore when I swallow. My whole right side feels like nerve damage. Would any of the meds have anything to do with it, the tremmors that is, or can you give me any input, as to what to do if anything. Thanks. Katie Armstrong

[jennief F]

Forthe past seven years I have had tingling and twitching throughout my body. It started in my hands and feet and is now widespread. I have had two EMGs which were both normal, the last in September 1999.
My left eyelid has been twitching for morethan a month, My hands, legs and particularly my elbows have rently started aching and my right foot feels quite weak although not to the extent that it stops me going about my normal business. My ring fingers on both hands seem visibly wobble from side to side and although my neurologist tells me  there is nothing to worry about I am becoming increasingly anxious about these horrible symptoms. I would really welcome your thoughts on this. Thank you for your time.
Jennie F

[Greg]

Dear Robert Williams, and medical professionals.
Just read your posting from Dec 5th.
Sounds like what I have,  What's Buergers Disease?
Did the Platel stuff work at all?
  I had a L4, L5 laminectomy for stenosis which didn't relieve my leg pain or difficulty in walking and stairclimbing so now I suspect my problems stem from poor circulation. If I walk just ten feet, the burning starts in the calves or behind my knees, followed by cramping.  It goes away if I lie, sit or  kneel down,
(medical professional: it's the painfree upright kneeling, with full weight on L4-L5, that makes me think the laminectomy was unnecessory).
  Folks, how 'bout this theory: gravity is affecting either the blood  or lymphatic circulation in our lower legs. (My calves are  swollen an inch larger in circumference by the end of the day!)  Poor circulation causes deposits of mineral debris to build up in our legs thus preventing proper flowage and causing excruciating pain when activated.
It sounds kinda "goutlike".  What do you think, doc?  Is there another disease like the one I thoerize?
  My thoery is a little similar to Dr. St. Auban thoery about Fibromyalgia. (Check out his book)  He contends that fibro sufferers' kidneys are overloaded with acid and these acids are backing up and being stored in parts of the body which then blocks proper neuro function in adjacent muscles.
However, I'm told fibro sufferers don't have burning pain like you and I do, Robert.  On the whole of it tho I can identify with a lot of his thoery.
By the way, Robert,  I take 300mg of Neurontin and Ultram to make it thru the day and the night.  Is your burning worse at night?
Please advise.
Greg

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Debbie Maynor:

What your experiencing is part of your disease, CMT.  I do not know of anything that can correct what your going through.  I am very sorry.

CCF Neuro MD

[debbie maynor]

DEAR SIRS, I AM 40 YEARS OLD AND FOR 6 MONTHS I HAVE EXPERIENCED PAIN IN MY LEGS WITH A SEVERE BURNING SENSATION,WALKING IS GETTING HARDER FOR ME TO DO,LYING DOWN I CAN NOT HANDLE DUE TO INCREASEING THE PAIN, TWO NIGHTS AGO I EXPERIENCED SOMETHING I PRAY I NEVER DO AGAIN, I COULD NOT WALK STRAIGHT, I WOULD FALL INTO THE WALLS AND STUMPLE AS IF I WAS DRUGGED, I HAVE BEEN THROUGH MANY OF TEST WHICH SHOWED I HAVE CHARCOT MARIE TOOTH, I HAVE A WONDERFUL DOCTOR WHO IS TRYING TO HELP ME IN EVERY WAY, I WAS TAKING NEUROTIN FOR 7 MONTHS WITH NO HELP AT ALL,I AM ON A PAIN MEDICATION CALLED LORCET 10 WHICH DOES HELP ME TO COPE,THIS IS SO UNBEARABLE THAT AT TIMES I CAN NOT HANDLE THE PAIN, PLEASE IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS THAT WILL HELP ME PLEASE ADVISE ME OF WHAT I CAN DO TO CONTROL THIS, I ALSO DO PHYSICAL THERAPY WHICH SEEMS TO MAKE IT HURT WORSE. IF ANY SUGGESTIONS YOU HAVE I WILL GREATLY APPRECIATE

[Sandra Unrau]

For the last two weeks the right side of my tongue, face, and head have been numb. There is still feeling there but it is like after being at the dentist and your freezing is half gone. It's hard to describe. At times I also feel it in my rt arm and rt leg. Three years ago I had what we first thought was TIA's, the muscles on the right side of my face contracted,my eye was squeezed shut ( I could not open it ) my mouth and cheek push up as high as they could go, this lasted for about one minute each time and happened 1-4 times a month for about one year. I was diagnosed with epilepsy after ct scans and eeg's. I refused anti-seisure meds as I figured I could live with this. It has not happened for two years now. 17 years ago I had two episodes, one of rt side numbness and the other total body numbness,I couldn't even talk. I was put on steroids( I cant remember the name) and was told I had swollen optic nerves. I recently heard about FACTOR V LEIDEN GENE. Could these things all be related and could factor v be my problem? I am going to see a neurologist again but can't get in until august, and I am concerned. Thankyou for your time.

[Richard]

I have the following symtoms: numbness in the left side of  my face and down my left arm , dry mouth , very dry lips , diseness , head aches off and on through out the day, and slured speech,
This has been going on and getting worse over the last six months and has gotten worse in the last few day's I have an appointment with a neurologest on the 29th of this month but would please  like some ideas befor then. thank you.

[Ccat]

I suffered a traumatic brain injury July/95.  Have been followed by neurologist/brain injury specialist since that time.  Have experienced various seizure activity since injury.  Seizure activity has decreased over time and now seem to have only blackout and some "brain pauses" I call them where I am unable to function (move, speak, sometimes see etc.) for periods of time... but no full blown seizures.  

Anywya, last week I was feeling pre-seizurish but instead of going into a seizure I simply felt weird for a while and then face went all tingly (both sides) and the went numb. This lasted for a short time (5 to 10 minutes?) then went away.  It then happened again.  Afterward numbness went away and I had a headache and was zonked so went to sleep.  Any ideas on what I may have experienced?  I don't see my specialist again until April.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Katie]

I'm wondering about my symptoms.  In Dec. of 1998 I went for a walk my hand swelled up.  A couple of weeks later I got tingling in my feet.  The tingling only occurs when I am sitting, standing, or lying down.  When I am walking or moving I feel nothing.  This lasted most of the winter.  Then the symptoms disappeared.

This December the symptoms came back so I went to visit a nuerologist who did ever blood test possible, a MRI, all the physical tests, and a vision test done with things hooked up to my head.  They all came back normal.  He did say I have brisk reflexes in my knees.

My questions are:

1.  This is my second bout with these symptoms.  Is it reasonable to believe that soemthing would have shown up in these tests?

2.  Could this be a seasonal thing that can not be diagnosed?

3. Are there people that live with tingling and there is no explanation for it?

[Katie]

In Dec.1998 I went for walk and when I got home my right  hand had swelled.  A few weeks after that I got tingling in my hands and feet.  This lasted through the winter and then went away.

In December of 1999 the tingling and some burning in my feet  appeared.  The only time the symptoms appear is when I am sitting still, lying still, or standing perfectly still.  If the symptoms start I can rub my feet or move and I can't feel it.  I also thought I was having some blurred vision in my left eye.  I went to a nurologist and he did all the possible blood work, and MRI, and a vision test that measures the cell activity in eyes.  They all came back normal.  He feels he doesn't need to pursue a diagnosis for MS.

MY questions are:

1. After two bouts with symptoms and a year apart would it be reasonable that something would have shown on the MRI or the vision test?

2. Do some people live with tingling with no reason found for it?

3. Could this be stress or seasonal related?

[Wendy]

Lately my fiance has been complaining of a "weird" feeling all over his body. He stated that the other day when he was in the store, his body felt tingly, kind of numb, and he felt like he was going to pass out.  Then the symptoms subsided.  He's complained quite a bit lately about numbness in different parts of his body.  Of couse, he WON'T go see a doctor.  Any suggestions besides getting him to a doctor, and if so, what kind of doctor?  Thank you.

[roberta]

CCF Neuro MD,  I thought you would be able to help?...

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Roberta:

Hope someone answered you back.

CCF Neuro MD

[roberta]

Is anyone feeling the "Pins and Needles" all over their body for periods of 1-4 hours?.  I have felt this and alot of other strange feelings like a constant foggy feeling and problems with focusing/concentration, fatigue, feeling like my bladder is full all the time, etc...  has anyone else felt this?

--Any advise would be very helpful

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Joanne:

This is off the topic of MS.  No, carpal tunnel is usually just the hand and fingers.  If your whole arm is involved then there is something else going on.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Joann]

With carpal tunnel syndrome does one have pain and numbness only in the wrist and hand area or can this affect the whole arm?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD,RPS]

Dear Ms. Gupta:

Your symptoms have the flavor of carpel tunnel syndrome.  If you are unsure, then see a neurologist and see if you need an EMG to confirm the diagnosis.  Mild degeneration would not give you these symptoms and depending on the x-ray it might be difficult to tell if a cervical lesion would produce your symptoms.  A thorough neurological exam would help matters.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Shalini Gupta, London, UK]

For the past few years I have been experiencing night-time numbness and tingling of my right hand (thumb, index and middle fingers) during the Fall and Winter months.  This year it has been particularly bad with no relief for several hours each night and there is extension of a dull tight pain above and below the elbows and in the upper right arm and the tingling sensation may even extend into the right side of my back.  During the day too my right hand feels tingly and there is a dullness in the entire arm.  Sometimes, this also occurs in the left hand and arm, although not as severe.  My GP referred me to an osteopath who diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome.  I am not convinced of this diagnosis as the symptoms appear to be seasonal.  This winter I began experiencing strange clicks and pains when I moved my neck and an X-ray showed changes consistent with osteoarthritis.  I have always been prone to numbness when I cross my legs.  I wonder if there is a circulatory problem or what other differentials need to be entertained before i agree to surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.

[Shalini Gupta, London, UK]

For the past few years I have been experiencing night-time numbness and tingling of my right hand (thumb, index and middle fingers) during the Fall and Winter months.  This year it has been particularly bad with no relief for several hours each night and there is extension of a dull tight pain above and below the elbows and in the upper right arm and the tingling sensation may even extend into the right side of my back.  During the day too my right hand feels tingly and there is a dullness in the entire arm.  Sometimes, this also occurs in the left hand and arm, although not as severe.  My GP referred me to an osteopath who diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome.  I am not convinced of this diagnosis as the symptoms appear to be seasonal.  This winter I began experiencing strange clicks and pains when I moved my neck and an X-ray showed changes consistent with osteoarthritis.  I have always been prone to numbness when I cross my legs.  I wonder if there is a circulatory problem or what other differentials need to be entertained before i agree to surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Donna:

There can be a number of etiologies of what you describe.  From the hepatitis virus itself, to the medications you are taking, to the diet that you are on.  I would see a good neurologist and begin the workup for possible etiologies.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Donna]

My hands go numb quite frequently.  Also I have a hard time sleeping because of numb toes.  If I stand up and stomp my feet it helps a little but as soon as I lay down, it comes back.  I was wondering if this could be peripheral neuropathy.  I have not been diagnosed with diabetes but I do have hepatitis b core antibodies in my blood plasma.  Also, at one time I was on the verge of liver damage due to prescription medicines and tylenol.  I have not had my liver tested in about a year but I'm not taking alot of medicine now.  I am 42.  Hope I have given you enough information. Thanks.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Dianne:

First, I trained as a medical student at Primary Children's and they have good pediatric neurologists.  I would trust their judgement.  I do not think that the schwannoma and headaches are related.  The headaches do sound more like a post-traumatic headache.  These are difficult to treat.  You are on a very low dose of neurontin and this might be raised for the headache.  We do not usual give demoral to children with head injuries as it is a central stimulant.  Is the schwannoma in the CP canal or is it in a different location.  Schwannoma is a very slow growing tumor and has probably been there awhile.  There should also not be abdominal pain, unless something else happened during the bicycle accident he injured his abdomen.  Did he flip over the handle bars? or what?  Secondly, this is way to far out from the initial event to be the accident.  I am not sure what to make of all the symptoms.  It sounds like there are many issues that need to be addressed.  What does your pediatrician say?  Immitrex is a migraine medication that should only be given twice a week (usually).  The other medications can be addicting and also if they are narcotics can cause bad constipation (is this happening to your son giving him the abdominal pain).  What is needed is a captain of your son's medical ship.  Too many cooks spoil the stew and frequent ER visits certain can give too many cooks.  I would start with the pediatric neurologist.  Have him/her begin to oversee all the medical care.  Stop all unnecessary medications.  Begin with controlling the headache.  I would stop the narcotics, stop the demoral, raise the neurontin.  Revist the MRI and have a second opinion concerning the schwannoma and the reading of the results.  Dr. Anne Osborn is at the U and she might be a good resource.  (Actually, she wrote on of the better texts in neuroradiology).  

That is how I would recommend things to progress.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD