patellar nerve slowness?

[Tommy757]

I began having balance problems (walking but feeling like I might fall down) last August 2006 - went to my primary care Dr. he told me I had fluid in my ear and gave me some meds, that went away and then I began to have headaches daily for 3 months and then they went away.  I was fine for about a month but then in February 2007 I started feeling weakness and stiffness in my legs and when I walked almost a feeling of un-coordination and that my foot would hit the ground but it would take a second before my leg would be stable and I've had a stiff neck, lower back burning and discomfort and some mild balance problems and fatigue.

Since February I have been to an ENT who tested me for allergies and told me I have level 3 allergies to dust and mold and gave me allergy drops.  ENT also tested me for sleep apnea - said I had a mild case and gave me a mouth piece to wear at night.  I've had 2 sinus CT scans which revealed a deviated septum with a nasal bone spur.  In March I had a brain MRI which came back "clean"/"unremarkable".  I have also been to a chiropractor would told be I have subluxation in my neck and lower back - have been seeing him for 5 months and still have symptoms.

Went to the Neurologist and he examined me and said I was fine.  I had a nerve conductivity study done and it said the return of electricity back was slow in the patellar nerve in both legs, everything else was fine no nerve damage.  What could this be?

[JainMD]

Hi,
MRI of lower back and neck would help in greatly understanding your symptoms.
I think you might have some spinal disc pathology.
Keep me informed about your MRI results and your discussion with your doctor.
Bye.
Happy Holidays to you till then.

[Tommy757]

Thanks for taking the time - I have an MRI of my lower back and neck scheduled for January 9th.  Hopefully this will provide some answers

[JainMD]

Hi,
Patellar nerve damage or injury results in loss of skin sensations around thigh muscle.
Another important to note is that you have done MRI and CT scan of your brain and sinus, but apparently you have not done MRI of your lower back.
Apparently this might the reason for your gait imbalance or loss of sensation over leg.
I think you should be doing MRI of lower back and evaluate further.
Keep me informed about your disease condition.
Bye.