Strange Symptoms

[twit745]

I am so scared. I am a 37 year old who just had a baby in November. Around the middle of February I had the stomach flu and on about the 3rd day I woke up feeling better, but I noticed that I felt really off balance almost like someone who had a few too many drinks (this still persists today). Then out of the blue, I had tingling in my head and neck that felt similar to pins and needles and for one day my lower jaw went slightly numb. This has now progressed to my back and does not seem to want to go away. Also now sometimes at night my arms and hands fall asleep (the neurologist says possible carpal tunnel). On some occasions it also feels like someone is poking me all over with needles (this comes and goes). I get lots of sensations also that feel sometimes like burning and other times like a cool breeze on my back. This is all very strange neuropathy. It has been 25 days and none of this seems to want to go away. I have since had 2 MRI's one cervical (with and with out contrast-pending results) and one of the brain (without contrast) that came back normal. I do not know what to make of this??? My doctor does not think that this is MS, but wow these symptoms are strange. The neurologist also did diagnostic testing and everything checked out ok. Does anyone have some advice?

[ginak]

Twit,

I have been having similar issues since July. Both of my mris are negative, but still being worked up for MS. Right now, I am in a "watchful waiting stage" according to the neurologist. I have had a spinal and EVPs. I was told that it could be too early for MS to rear its ugly head. I just recently tested "slightly positive" for lyme disease and I am about to go on antibiotics. After going through this madness for 8 months and seeing a total of 15 doctors, I am tired and need answers. There is a virus called Epstein Barr virus that can attribute to some of the symptoms that you are having. You may also want to have your physician check your vitamin d levels. I have EBV and Vitamin D deficiency, along with thyroid issues. My symptoms include numbness in hands upon waking at night, migratory tingling in various places, migratory joint pain, tinnitus, internal tremors or myoclonic jerks, GERD, pulsatile tinnitus, shock like sensations throughout my face and entire body, etc. I am just sick of it all. Doctors don't know and I am just completely frustrated. I hope you find the answers you need soon. I would not settle for what just one doctor told me. Continue to go until you can get someone to help you. Many doctors keep saying that this is all post-viral and if it is, then so be it, but I would just like to have some idea of what I am dealing what. You may IM me at any time. I hope you get better soon.

[twit745]

Hi Dr. Singh

If this turns out to be negative, is it possible that this is a complication from a virus and if so, can a virus be detected in a bloodtest? I really would like to get back to normal. I know the neurologist also ran several blood tests that also came back normal. Have you ever heard of someone contracting a virus with these symptoms and if so, how long does it take to run its course?

Thanks for your input. I am very concerned.

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,

I completely agree with you. These symptoms are really quite strange. Actually, the first thing that a doctor will think with such symptoms which are present at discrete places is Multiple Sclerosis. I agree with your physician and am quite sure these are not symptoms of MS which is further confirmed by the MRI of the brain. The other possibility which I believe is cervical spondylosis and I sincerely feel needs to be ruled out. The same will be confirmed once the reports of the MRI cervical spine are available.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted. Kind Regards.