Multiple Neurological Symptoms Caused by Stress

[etiftm]

In the last 18 months I've had several episodes with varying neurological systems. In early 2008 my only symptoms were dizziness  (not vertigo -no spinning), especially when driving, and tinnitus in both ears -- this lasted about 2 weeks. I had a repeat episode, also for about 2 weeks, in July 2008. Then in October 2008, I had an episode that included the dizziness and tinnitus but added tingling of the back and top of the scalp to the mix. My primary care doctor believed I was suffering from a sinus problem, recommended I quit smoking, and prescribed Chantrix. A week later I visited an emergency room after I felt something like electricity pass through the right side of my body, followed by twitching in my face. The ER doctor believed this was a reaction to Chatrix. By February 2009, my symptoms included dizziness, tinnitus, and tingling of the scalp and of the face (both sides, at different times). My PCP did blood work, which came back normal (thyroid, lyme test, blood sugar, etc), except that I had a slightly elevated white blood cell count (10,800). I also had an MRI without contrast, which came back normal. My doctor said this could all be a reaction to stress. I work full time and have two small children, so I guess I have at least as much stress as anyone else.  I had no symptoms between Feb and June, but about three weeks ago all of my symptoms were back, with the addition of numbness of my arms and legs (both sides, at different times). I will see an ENT next week and  a neurologist in 2 weeks, but in the mean time, I'm at my wit's end here. Not all of my symptoms are present together at the same time -- they come and go all day in various combinations, until the attack ends (so far, the longest attack has been 4 weeks). Could all of this be caused by stress, or is something else going on here?

[etiftm]

Thanks for taking the time to answer. Could compression of the spinal nerve cause the symptoms in my face and scalp, as well as the symptoms in my arms and legs? Would more than one nerve have to be injured for this to be so? Thanks again.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
I think you got an MRI brain done .The symptoms could be related to spine . The compression or trauma to the spinal nerve manifests such symptoms . Please go for an MRI spine . You may be having a herniated disc or a disc protrusion leading to the nerve compression and hence all the symptoms .Please consult the neurologist for the same . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !

[etiftm]

I forgot to say that I'm a 34-year-old female with no previous illnesses. About a week before the symptoms first presented, I fell down a short flight of stairs and bumped my middle to lower back all the way down, but did not hit my head. That's probably irrelevant, but I'll just put it out there.