Beginning Parkinsons??

[pkr316]

I have a strange array of symptoms, seeing a neurologist, rheumatologist, etc. I've been diagnosed with Sjogren's syndome and I've had migraines for years. Of late (2-3 years) I've taken to clenching my toes, right side more than left, to the point of hammertoe situation and some foot cramping. I have numbness of the right outer side of my left hip, this is constant. I also suffer from SI pain and pretty much constant neck tightness. The foot thing is really starting to bother me. I also suffer from Raynaud's, primarily in the cold weather. I've had multiple white spots on my brain MRI, screened for MS and ruled mostly they think migraine related. I do have a cyst on one of my kidney, also ruled as something to watch for now. I've noticed that I have begun to drag my right foot while walking, clench my hands unconsciously, and even notice a lack of swing in my right arm when I walk from time to time. Short term memory loss seems to follow me as well. They have me on Zonisamide, Pravachol, Lisinopril, Ambien prn, Naproxen, and Soma for muscle spasms. Just reading a bit oabout parkinsons and became concerned. I am 39 years of age, migraines being my main medical history though the musculoskeletal pain has become overwhelming at times.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for keeping me posted!

Between C-1 and C-2 there is no intervertebral disc. Are you talking of C2-C3 or of C1-C2 instability? Both can cause nerve compression symptoms. Decompression can only be obtained by surgery. There is a related discussion on this forum which you can read: http://www.medhelp.org/forums/neuro/messages/34366.html

Hope this helps. It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please consult your specialist regarding this. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[pkr316]

I did have the evoked potential testing which was normal. At that point, they hesitated on the CSF evaluation unless my symptoms really got worse. I do however have a herniated disc at C-1-C-2 which i've related alot of my headaches to...Also on Vitamin D as we speak for a deficiency.  What more could be done for nerve compression if this is the main contributing factor. Ice to the neck and muscle relaxers are my only relief at the moment. Is there further testing that might be warranted?

Thanks again!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!

More than Parkinson’s, this looks like a case of multiple sclerosis. A contrast MRI would be more helpful along with evoked potential testing nerve conductions and examination of CSF showing specific antibodies. If this is not a case of MS then you must look at TIA or transient ischemic attack wherein the blood supply to brain is temporarily cut off. The episodes last for a maximum of 24 hours and then resolve or a new symptom starts. Otherwise it could be due to nerve compression very high up in the cervical vertebra. Another possibility is Vitamin B12 or Vitamin D deficiency. Maybe you should take a second opinion from another neurologist.

Hope this helps.  Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[crambone]

multiple white spots on brain would indicate ms or possible lymes diseas,but given your history,,id say ms..i think your right.