Numbness, Diziness, Loss of Hearing, Memory Loss, Sleeping for two-three days, Slurred Speech, Motor Skill Problems

[danew]

Our friend has all of the symptoms above and the there is no diagnosis. He is rapidly declining and the Dr's have ruled out all neurological conditions including MS and have done CT's and MRI's with no results.  They have also drawn 18 vials of blood with everything looking fine and normal.

He will sleep 3 days straight and have a "good day" every once and a while and seem normal and then go back into terrible conditions.  I don't have all the details, but these are the symptoms:

Numbness, Dizziness, Loss of Hearing, Memory Loss, Severe Fatigue, Slurred Speech, Motor Skill Problems

He did have an MRI and CT scans with no results or abnormalities.  All neurological tests and blood work has come back with no results.  His wife is already making plans for his death as he worsens with no diagnosis.  I told her not to quit and keep searching for a diagnosis.  I know that it takes luck or going to enough Dr's that someone has a light bulb go off or has seen something similar.  The problem is now she is working full time to make ends meet and doesn't have time to do the research.  It's really sad to watch him slipping away from his wife and kids!  He is only 50.  Any help that I can pass along as a friend would be great.

I believe that they have ruled out brain tumors for sure and possibly alzheimer's .

[ozark]

has he been checked for vit b12 deficiency?  just a thought

[danew]

For anyone following this thread - he was diagnosed with MSA (Multiple system atrophy) which has a grim prognosis.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_system_atrophy

[danew]

I don't know if they researched Epilepsy.  His Hearing loss is episodic.  He is also getting numbness in his hands.  All of the symptoms come and go but they are getting worse as time progresses.  When they leave, he is "normal" for a day or two, but then he forgets about the terrible condition he has been in and tells his GP he is doing great.  He is a Dr. himself, so he doesn't want to bounce around and get more opinions (stubborn), but I think that is what he needs.  I know they have been to UCSF and are going somewhere else in November, but the clock is ticking.  Thanks for the input.

[SadieSunflower]

Have they ruled out epilepsy? It would be kinda unusual to manifest like this, but epilepsy sounds possible to me.  Is the hearing loss permanent or is it episodic? You should make sure that he is going to an academic research medical center. The home town hospital won't do in a case like this.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It is difficult to diagnose over the internet, but it seems like a comprehensive workup has been done.  The MRI and CT scans would exclude many of the major problems that can lead to the symptoms.  

A neurologist indeed would be the proper specialist to go to.  I would consider another opinion at this point, preferably at a major academic medical center.

Hearing and dizziness can be due to a variety of ENT disorders, so if that route hasn't been explored, I would consider it.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com