What medical evaluation is needed for my neuro symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am seeking medical guidance for ongoing and concerning health symptoms.

I am a 20-year-old man and have been living on my own for about a year and a half. In my first six months, I ate tuna very often, sometimes every day or every other day. Over time, I started having serious symptoms like mood swings, pins-and-needles feelings, tremors, trouble with coordination, muscle twitching, and vision problems. At first, I had double vision, but now my vision is always blurry.

After doing some research, I started to worry that my symptoms might be caused by methylmercury from eating too much tuna. I stopped eating seafood and went to see a doctor. Still, I have not been able to see a toxicology specialist, and the doctors I met did not fully address my concerns.

Because my symptoms continued and I was getting more frustrated, I decided to try chelation on my own using the Cutler protocol. I took low doses of ALA and DMSA by mouth every three to four hours for 72 to 96 hours each week, along with supplements to help with minerals and detox. At first, I did not feel any better, and my condition seemed to get worse. My muscle weakness and atrophy increased, and I also started having greasy, yellow stools, pale skin, and hair loss.

When I increased the dose to 25 to 75 mg each time, I noticed some short-term improvements in my coordination, thinking, eyesight, and skin. However, these improvements did not last, and my symptoms returned. I still see small benefits with each cycle, but they are not enough to keep up with my worsening muscle atrophy, weakness, and trouble thinking.

I have also tried to help myself by exercising regularly, using an NMES device, and taking supplements like creatine, B vitamins, TUDCA, and magnesium. Despite all this, my symptoms are still there and sometimes get worse.

These problems are seriously affecting my health and quality of life. I would really appreciate a full medical evaluation and advice on what I should do next.

Please help.

Thank you for your time and help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for being open about your experience. Your concerns make sense, and it is clear you have thought carefully about your symptoms and taken action. Based on what you have described, I recommend seeing a neurologist, toxicologist, or internal medicine doctor soon.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help clarify your situation and suggest what to do next:

You’re right that long-term mercury exposure, like eating tuna often, can cause neurological symptoms. These can include tremors, tingling, trouble with coordination, changes in vision, and problems with thinking or mood.

However, the symptoms you describe, like muscle loss, weakness, greasy stools, and pale skin, could mean there are other conditions involved. Mercury exposure may have a role, but these symptoms necessitate a thorough medical examination to rule out neurological or metabolic issues.

The Cutler treatment is neither medically approved nor supported by good clinical data. Using chelating drugs such as DMSA or ALA without a doctor's supervision can be dangerous, including:

Mercury redistribution to sensitive tissues, such as the brain or nerves, may increase symptoms.
Stress on the liver and kidneys.
Even with supplementation, depletion of key elements, including zinc, copper, and selenium, occurs.’
An unmonitored dose can increase the probability of negative effects.

Pause chelation and undergo thorough testing under a doctor’s guidance. Your doctor may recommend the following: urine levels and, if clinically indicated, a 24-hour urine test.

Liver and kidney function tests, as well as a full blood count.
Nutritional status: Trace minerals, vitamin D, folate, and vitamin B12.
Neurological evaluation: Nerve conduction investigations, electromyography (EMG).
Imaging, such as MRI(magnetic resonance imaging), may be needed. If digestive difficulties persist, stool or liver testing may be required.

If mercury exposure is proven, treatment often begins by avoiding more exposure. If required, seek medical assistance. It is also important to eat well, stay hydrated, and evaluate your nerve health.

Your ongoing symptoms could be due to a few things, such as effects from chelation, insufficient nutrients, or another health problem that has not been identified yet.

Immediate next steps include:

Discontinue unsupervised chelation.
Arrange an appointment with a qualified physician (internal medicine or neurology).
Prepare a detailed record of your symptoms, supplement use, and dosing schedule.
Finish a thorough laboratory workup and clinical evaluation.
Until your condition is assessed, stay away from any additional stresses (like strenuous physical activity).

If access to specialists is restricted, then they may advise a general practitioner to arrange testing. Now, the main thing is to get a thorough, doctor-supervised evaluation and care to keep you safe and healthy in the long run.

I hope this explanation helps.

If you have more questions, please feel free to ask.

Thank you.