what is wrong with me?

[cher1978]

Hi im a 30 year old female
For several months now i have been feeling unwell...headaches, joint pain and stiffness, major leg weakness, dizziness and feeling unbalanced (vertigo type feelings), bladder and bowel incontinence....am waiting to see the neurologist and have an mri scan....but am worried as to what could be wrong with me....anyone have any suggestions?
thanks

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

It is difficult to give an opinion without a neurological exam. However there are few possibilities like arthritis, nerve compression in the lower back, MS, inner ear diseases like Meneire’s disease and labrynthitis, spinal problems like transverse myelitis, motor neuron disease.
It is important to know your complete medical history and results of clinical exam and tests like MRI to arrive at a definite conclusion.
Hope this helps!

[Jules77733]

This definitely sounds neurological in nature, so I'm happy to hear that you've got an appointment with a neurologist already. The joint pain and stiffness suggests endocrine dysfunction, which could be the result of limited blood flow to the hypothalamus in your brain or the presence of a benign, tumor that is secreting hormone(s) (the endocrine dysfunction can be considered a "side-effect" or "indirect result" of the primary neurological problem, which remains to be discovered). The pins and needles feelings you're experiencing could also demonstrate endocrine dysfunction, or at the very least, a calcium imbalance or vitamin deficiency. The bladder and bowel incontinence is concerning, but hopefully your MRI will give some sort of indication as to what is causing these problems. Several neurological disorders are known to cause this, including MS, Parkinson's, stroke, and spinal injuries, though your age and being female make some of these less likely. Early-onset Parkinson's presents with speech impediments, a shuffled gait, and a resting tremor, which doesn't sound like it fits your case. MS seems more likely, as it can cause bowel/bladder problems, vertigo, and muscle weakness, but your symptoms are general and the MRI will be very helpful in identifying the presence of a neurodegenerative disease, if any.

I hope you feel better soon, and please keep me posted on how you're doing.

[cher1978]

i also get pins and needles in my hands and feet and have been very clumsy lately...dropping things easily etc