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Nearly Four Months, No Answers
Up until mid January of 2005, I was a healthy male of 35 years with no prior major illnesses. Around December of 2004, I first noticed some "twinge"-like sensations in my left temple and I experienced periodic eye strain. I visited an optometrist, who found nothing other than myopia (-1.50 in both eyes). She did off-handedly mention "scarring" in the back of my right eye, as though from a past trauma.
In mid January, the twinge sensations continued and I had a CT scan (w/o contrast) done, which proved negative. A week later, I awoke to my alarm clock and when I suddenly shot my neck forard to look at it, I immediately experienced sensations of whiplash --sudden stiffness in the neck with pain when trying to turn to the left or right. The stiffness continued for a couple days and gradually wore off, but was soon replaced by tingling in the finger tips of both hands and the toes on both feet, plus tinnitis.
I had an MRI done of the cervical spine which found a "small central disc herniation at c3-4 without evidence of cord compression; a "minimal diffuse disc bulge without compression" at c4-5; and a "minute central disc protrusion without compression" at c5-6. This was likely all due to a few moderate car accidents. The doctor, however, did NOT believe these neck injuries could be causing my tingling in my toes. Still, he recommended an epidural steroid injection in my neck.
As the days progressed, so did my worsening symptoms. Soon after being prescribed a weeklong, tapered dose of Prednisone, (my story continued below)
In mid January, the twinge sensations continued and I had a CT scan (w/o contrast) done, which proved negative. A week later, I awoke to my alarm clock and when I suddenly shot my neck forard to look at it, I immediately experienced sensations of whiplash --sudden stiffness in the neck with pain when trying to turn to the left or right. The stiffness continued for a couple days and gradually wore off, but was soon replaced by tingling in the finger tips of both hands and the toes on both feet, plus tinnitis.
I had an MRI done of the cervical spine which found a "small central disc herniation at c3-4 without evidence of cord compression; a "minimal diffuse disc bulge without compression" at c4-5; and a "minute central disc protrusion without compression" at c5-6. This was likely all due to a few moderate car accidents. The doctor, however, did NOT believe these neck injuries could be causing my tingling in my toes. Still, he recommended an epidural steroid injection in my neck.
As the days progressed, so did my worsening symptoms. Soon after being prescribed a weeklong, tapered dose of Prednisone, (my story continued below)
Hi Rocket:
While I was in the hospital for a few days having neurological tests done, they took all kinds of bloodwork. In the records I have, some of the days in which I was tested showed elevated glucose levels, but they never indicated to me that this was a result of diabetes or hypglycemia.
For me, it's a loss of both taste and smell. I was particularly depressed today because they were painting a wall at work. Other employees sitting around me were complaining that the strong paint smell was giving them a headache...I, however, couldn't smell the paint at all. Of course, people who read this and don't understand what it's like to lose one's sense of smell don't understand how awful it is, or why I'd want to smell fresh paint.
While I was in the hospital for a few days having neurological tests done, they took all kinds of bloodwork. In the records I have, some of the days in which I was tested showed elevated glucose levels, but they never indicated to me that this was a result of diabetes or hypglycemia.
For me, it's a loss of both taste and smell. I was particularly depressed today because they were painting a wall at work. Other employees sitting around me were complaining that the strong paint smell was giving them a headache...I, however, couldn't smell the paint at all. Of course, people who read this and don't understand what it's like to lose one's sense of smell don't understand how awful it is, or why I'd want to smell fresh paint.
Cacklebunny,
I came across your list of symptoms, and it sounds almost exactly like what I'm dealing with! Nearly a year ago, i noticed one day that my sense of taste had declined sharply. Being that I don't usually have allergy problems, and that I didn't have a sore throat, stuffy nose, or anything of the sort, it really bothered me. My sense of smell remained highly intact. I noticed at the same time, that my sensation all over had been deadened, or didn't seem as sharp. I've had some of the burning senastions as well, spasms, twiches, and other things. My ears ring like crazy, especially at night when I get really tired. I've been to the doctor numerous times, had all kinds of bloodwork done, went to a neuro, the whole 9 yards, no diagnosis, no theories of what it might be, nothing. My personal theory is that it's metabolic. I have hypoglycemia and I really, really believe that it's something related to blood sugar/metabolism. I've lived like this for almost a year, and it really hasn't gotten worse. The taste thing is most noticeable as it seems to come and go like yours does. I wish I could offer more help as to saying what it might be, but maybe you should investigate taking a Glucose Tolerance Test to see if you might have a metabolic issue.
Take care,
Rocketsurgeon
I came across your list of symptoms, and it sounds almost exactly like what I'm dealing with! Nearly a year ago, i noticed one day that my sense of taste had declined sharply. Being that I don't usually have allergy problems, and that I didn't have a sore throat, stuffy nose, or anything of the sort, it really bothered me. My sense of smell remained highly intact. I noticed at the same time, that my sensation all over had been deadened, or didn't seem as sharp. I've had some of the burning senastions as well, spasms, twiches, and other things. My ears ring like crazy, especially at night when I get really tired. I've been to the doctor numerous times, had all kinds of bloodwork done, went to a neuro, the whole 9 yards, no diagnosis, no theories of what it might be, nothing. My personal theory is that it's metabolic. I have hypoglycemia and I really, really believe that it's something related to blood sugar/metabolism. I've lived like this for almost a year, and it really hasn't gotten worse. The taste thing is most noticeable as it seems to come and go like yours does. I wish I could offer more help as to saying what it might be, but maybe you should investigate taking a Glucose Tolerance Test to see if you might have a metabolic issue.
Take care,
Rocketsurgeon
Hi Seal:
No, it's not upsetting to hear; it's advice I've given others on this board who stand in our shoes.
I have tried to maintain a positive attitude and of course you understand how difficult that is.
Hopefully time will yield answers for us both, because it's the uncertainty and lack of diagnosis that is the most difficult aspect to endure.
No, it's not upsetting to hear; it's advice I've given others on this board who stand in our shoes.
I have tried to maintain a positive attitude and of course you understand how difficult that is.
Hopefully time will yield answers for us both, because it's the uncertainty and lack of diagnosis that is the most difficult aspect to endure.
Dear Cacklebunny,
Your symptoms and other's comments after reading this forum and others tells me that what I have experienced since 1985 with various symptoms of a neuropathy pain being the worst is something many, many folks suffer from.
There are so many possibilities causing your symptoms and mine because we are dealing with the CNS, BRAIN, PNS. If I may suggest that something that has helped me greatly. Positive Attitude. There are medical problems that are so deep and varied the great Drs. may never figure them out. Treat what symptoms you can, stay positive and be thankful for what you have and can do.
Hope this does not upset you.
Your symptoms and other's comments after reading this forum and others tells me that what I have experienced since 1985 with various symptoms of a neuropathy pain being the worst is something many, many folks suffer from.
There are so many possibilities causing your symptoms and mine because we are dealing with the CNS, BRAIN, PNS. If I may suggest that something that has helped me greatly. Positive Attitude. There are medical problems that are so deep and varied the great Drs. may never figure them out. Treat what symptoms you can, stay positive and be thankful for what you have and can do.
Hope this does not upset you.
I definitely sympathize with your plight, newcomer05. If you situation was like mine, then you were perfectly healthy and anxiety-free prior to the onset of your symptoms.
The unfortunate reality is that we are naturally going to encounter some level of anxiety when we suddenly experience serious symptoms. This almost inevitably leads to doctors suggesting the anxiety came first, which we both know isn't the case, as we have no history of anxiety. Still, it's difficult to convice doctors of that, especially once the suggestion is passed from one doctor to another in written consultation reports.
My suggestion is to obtain copies of all the consultation reports and lab work that has been performed on you, including any emergency room reports. You may be surprised to find that they are stating that your symptoms are being caused by anxiety or at least speculating as such. Once that ball gets rolling, it's kind of hard to stop it unless you go to a completely independent doctor who has no access to that history of files.
The unfortunate reality is that we are naturally going to encounter some level of anxiety when we suddenly experience serious symptoms. This almost inevitably leads to doctors suggesting the anxiety came first, which we both know isn't the case, as we have no history of anxiety. Still, it's difficult to convice doctors of that, especially once the suggestion is passed from one doctor to another in written consultation reports.
My suggestion is to obtain copies of all the consultation reports and lab work that has been performed on you, including any emergency room reports. You may be surprised to find that they are stating that your symptoms are being caused by anxiety or at least speculating as such. Once that ball gets rolling, it's kind of hard to stop it unless you go to a completely independent doctor who has no access to that history of files.
My timing seem to be coinciding with Cacklebunny. My issues were quite serious and got way worst after accupressue/chiropractic horror. I have trouble accepting this especially at age of 30 although I know I don't have a choice. Everyday is a struggle for me. So far all the specialists seem to think that everything is psychological (although it's been taken a tole). No one believe my symptoms and observation.
How do you go on with work/life?
How do you go on with work/life?
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