Neurological problems for years. Can't find the cause

[LNick]

I've been having vague neurological issues for years and I can't seem to find the cause. I'm hoping you can help point me in the right direction.

My main problem is that I have chills that radiate through the left side of my body. Sometimes they will travel to the right, but mostly the left from head to leg. The chills are aggravated by lack of sleep, eating, or using the bathroom. They used to be pretty mild, but have been getting more intense over the last year or so. Also, the last year I get a lot of "hot flashes" with no apparent fever, and sometimes seem to sweat for no reason. Sometimes I stumble over words, which didn't really used to happen, and can get dizzy.

I sometimes have a little trouble swallowing, usually after a big meal, but sometimes for a whole day. I have fullness in my left ear (ear doctor could find no cause), weird sinus pressure (only in the left side), and a host of sleeping problems. I suffer from sleep paralysis if I sleep on my back or stomach, and I wake up probably at least a dozen times every night. I also, have to urinate more frequently than is normal.

I have many gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn, frequent constipation/diarreah and a bloated stomach. I have no idea if this is related or not.

So as you can see, I'm pretty much slowly falling apart. I've been to a variety of specialists, but they have not been helpful. I want to a neurologist, who recommended a brain MRI, but I haven't figured out a way to pay for it. Thanks for any help.

[LNick]

Thanks for your help; you've reinforced my conviction to get an MRI done, I will definitely do that. I actually got a call back from my neurologist this morning and she said that my blood work was all normal except for elevated AMA levels, so she referred me to a rheumatologist as well.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi Nick,
The moving abdominal pain may be due to gas trouble. Please take lot of fiber in your diet. Take lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid canned and fast foods. Take lots of fluids and go for exercises like walking, stretching, swimming regularly. OTC carminatives may help to reduce the gas trouble. These measures may help you to get relief from abdomen symptoms. Take care !    

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
It is really sad that you have not been given a proper diagnosis and treatment for years. The reason is that proper investigations have not been carried out. An MRI and CT scan is a must for the diagnosis of the cause for the symptoms that you have mentioned. I do not want to scare you but the symptoms that you have mentioned- fullness in ears, Sinus pressure, Difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and dizziness suggest of a brain tumour. Unexplained chills without fever and hot flashes are due to a hormonal problem. The brain tumour could be the cause of this as well. If the tumour is compressing or affecting the Pituitary gland, hormonal imbalances may occur due to abnormal secretion of the thyroid stimulating hormones. It is really difficult for any doctor to give you a diagnosis without seeing the CT scan or MRI report. Please manage to get them done and consult a neurologist. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!

[LNick]

I forgot to mention; another major symptom that was one of the first, is a pain in my lower left abdomen. It usually seems to be a dull pain in the lower left back, but it doesn't stay in exactly the same place over the years. Sometimes it's low on my hip, and sometimes it's a little higher up my back. It comes and goes, but has been bothering me a good 10 years.