4 yrs of strange symptoms, no answer

[Shay312]

My symptoms started in June/July 2004, the skin on my right arm started to ache and if it was touched, it felt like needles...this lasted for about 12-16 hrs and was only on the outer skin of my rt arm. When this feeling went away, i could instantly feel that the rt side of my face was tight and numb...no paralysis though. My rt arm and rt leg began to feel tight and numb. I always had control over my limbs. These symptoms lasted for about 3 days. My face was permanately numb and still is to this day. In August of 2004, I had symptoms again, this time I was very confused and my speech slurred...only for about an hour or two. Went to the ER, had a CT scan...normal. Saw a Neuro and he tested for just about everything...never came to any conclusion due to the fact that he thought I was too young (24 y/o female) to have a stroke or MS. During these tests, I did find out that I had tachycardia(Positional Orthostatic Tachy Syndrome) so now I'm on Toprol to slow my heart down. I've had these same symptoms of numbness on the rt side for 4 years now...my speech has only slurred only two more times...these occur about every 3-4 months and when i'm out in the heat, my skin feels tighter and i get tired more easily. I just had another episode on Aug 4 2008...this time my chest felt heavy(no pain) and I lost my sense of taste for about 36 hrs. My rt side was numb and had a slight burning sensation, but nothing overwhelming. I've had MRI's, CT scans, LP's, nerve conductions, blood work, and the only thing that came back was that my B-12 was a little low. My Neuro said that it can cause numbness, but it is probably not the cause of all this. I'm on B12 injections and have had 3 episodes since starting the B12. If you have any clue as to what could be causing this, please let me know. Thanks...

[Shay312]

Thanks for your posting...I did discuss this with my neuro. I do have a Hx of migraines with the throbbing pain, photophobia, and lightheadedness...but not when I have an "episode". And I also haven't had a migraine in well over 8 months but have had at least 3-4 "episodes" of numbness, weakness, fatigue, heavy feeling all on the rt side of my body. Not to mention the loss of taste for 36 hrs during this last episode that lasted for 12 days.  My neuro said that given my symptoms, it is unlikely that it is hemiplegic migraines, but could be a possibility. She took me off Toprol XL and prescribed Inderal LA as this will respond to more receptors in the body other than just the heart. Hopefully this will help not only with my Tachy but will prevent "episodes" if this is in fact hemiplegic migraines. She also said that if they are HM's and I don't have the pain associated with a migraine when these episodes happen...then that is like a rarity on top of a rarity. Hemiplegic Migraines that are also Acephalgic. I think that is the right term. If you can offer any other suggestions or comments to this I would appreciate it. Thanks...

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Your symptoms could be due to hemiplegic migraine. It is a rare form of migraine which is characterized by unilateral body weakness, persistent aura symptoms like pins and needles sensation, blurred vision and slurred speech, nausea, vomiting and defective coordination. Headache may or may not be present.
The symptoms of hemiplegic migraine simulate stroke. Please discuss this possibility with your doctor. Take care!

[patsy10]

Lyme disease can cause all of the symptoms you describe.