Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
About two and a half months ago, I was at work with one leg tucked under the other in a computer chair. When I got up to use the restroom, I noticed tingling in my lower leg and developed drop foot as a result. My first visit was to a podiatrist, and he suggested that I visit a neurologist. The neurologist did not run any scientific test and determined I likely crushed my peroneal nerve and said to return in four to six weeks for physical therapy.
About two weeks later, while lying in bed on my side, I noticed my arm tingle a bit, and when I got up to shake it out, the tingling eventually subsided. But I have experienced weakness in that arm. Last night, while sitting upright on my bed, my left leg began to experience a similar sensation. The limbs are still functional, and the tingling does not persist, but they feel weak.
The uncertainty due to the lack of scientific testing is weighing very heavily on me, and the troubling issue is the onset of additional symptoms, which are causing occasional unsettling stomach feelings due to the mental anguish I have been experiencing. Mainly, the fact that all of my limbs feel weak is making me very concerned.
Please guide.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have read your complaints, and first of all I should compliment you for having patiently written a thorough history of events. Let us analyze your problems.
You have tingling in all four limbs and weakness in all four limbs. That is, upper limbs and lower limbs on both sides, but onset on various days. The next important point that you have told is the mode of onset, and the tingling eventually subsided.
The following parameters can be found out only by a clinical examination, and they are most important to fix the diagnosis.
1. The power in various joints.
2. The sensation across various dermatomes.
3. The deep tendon reflexes and superficial reflexes.
4. Both radial pulses.
5. Both dorsalis pedis pulses.
6. Blood pressure.
In the same way, we need to get at least two investigations: nerve conduction studies and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine. It can be either a peripheral vascular disease leading to low perfusion or a peripheral neuropathy. I would strongly recommend, as well as request, that you consult your neurologist immediately and treat these symptoms as a top priority.
Investigations to be done are
1. Nerve conduction studies.
2. MRI spine.
The probable diagnosis based on the symptoms suggests either peripheral neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease.
I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your response.
The neurologists I have seen were able to conduct non-mechanical testing, which basically tested my strength and resistance, where I would push against their pressure and pull towards it in other cases. I would like to schedule a radiology test, and they informed me that my office had closed. So, I need to wait for 7 to 14 business days after seeing my primary care physician (PCP), which would also be two weeks away from now. So, I have been attempting to bide my time since the initial incident, where it was originally just the drop foot.
But the weakness in my other limbs is piling up, has got me frustrated and unable to focus on daily tasks due to the looming uncertainty. I noticed that you said to consult them immediately. Is a trip to the emergency room a reasonable or suggested course of action? I am just trying to gain as much information as possible to gain an understanding because both of the neurologists I saw did not seem overly concerned.
Although the fact that other limbs have experienced weakness for a longer period of time may have changed their priorities for these issues.
Please guide.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
As I have mentioned in my first response, the symptoms you experience can be due to two problems.
1. Low blood circulation due to peripheral vascular disease.
2. Mild damage to the nerves of your upper and lower extremities due to peripheral neuropathy.
Now, if it is a peripheral neuropathy, then you take Vitamin B complex, Zinc, and Vitamin C tablets. Most of the symptoms may well be solved within 10 days. But, if it is a case of low blood circulation, then it is imperative that you get treated at once.
Did any of the doctors feel for your pulse in both right and left wrists and right and left feet? Was the pulse fine in all four extremities?
If your blood pressure is fine and if you have bounding and normal pulses in all four limbs, then there is no need to hurry. Otherwise, please go to the ER (emergency room) at least to have your pulses checked in all four extremities.
The investigations to be done are
1. Examination of pulse.
2. Doppler studies of blood flow in peripheral vessels.
3. Nerve conduction studies.
4. MRI spine.
I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
What can I do for weakness of the legs and numbness of the toes?
I get tingling sensation, extreme fear, and rising feel in stomach. Is this simple partial seizure?
Does continuous tingling sensation on face, legs, and arms indicate multiple sclerosis?
I have erectile dysfunction inspite of having L-Arginine. Kindly advice.
My dad complains of a pain in his left leg seven years after a stroke. Please guide me.
Why do I have shooting pain in my calves after walking?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.