[elle]

what the significance of a failed tip-toe and heel walks are?

I went to see a new GP (thanks BTW, to everyone who responded to my DO vs MD post- I really like this new DO-doc). He asked me to walk on my heels- which not even my neuro had asked me to do 2 years ago. I cannot do it. I can lift the toes on my right foot, but not the left, and have no balance. When I try to walk on high tip-toe, I cannot move forward (like 3" a step) and cannot get my knees to bend or stay balanced at all. I had not been aware that I couldn't do it prior to this appointment, so it was a little shocking.

What brain/muscle functions are these 2 walks testing? What exactly does it mean if a person cannot do them? Are there diseases/dysfunctions that are commonly associated with them? I did a google-search and came up with nothing- just that a patient should be asked to do them.

Thanks again for any response!!

elle

[dahlek]

that type of test, after basic reflex exams. It is standard. 'Web' up 'neruological exam' and you should find several sites that outline the various steps that neuros use to begin a diagnosis.

You mite want to check out the MS and Peripheral Neuropathy 'stickies' here. They are good starting points for you to begin to assess for yourself what your problems are.

There are disctinctions. MS consists of damage within the brain that affects how signals to the rest of the body are perceived, received and sent back.
PN consists of nerves damaged OUTSIDE the brain, thru the spinal or peripheral nerve systems and affect again, how the signals are perceived, received and sent back.

In essence, in-brain, spinal and not-spinal-true peripheral systems all have to be evaluated, assessed and zillions of easily diagnosable causes have to be either eliminated or identified as the source of your problem. Docs can only narrow the field of problem and work with you to treat it. All can create the utmost variations of pain, balance, overall function.

I have a form of PN, please keep in mind that in PN ALONE, there are over 200 variations! It can be scary as to what may happen in the future, but whatever your cause, there are people here who have been thru the 'process' and many, many of them will offer support.

First, if I can suggest, web up 'LizaJane.org' It's a compiliation of neuro tests/exams etc to assess primarily PN, but it outlines nearly all of the tests in the process that exclude other potential problems. If you are new to all this neuro 'stuff' be sure to over-load your mind and again, 'web' up the types of tests done-and what they mean. It will be a HUGE about to try to learn all at once. In the meantime, you are probably uneasy at best - just don't panic. Learn, read, ask questions, get the tests [warning, tho, it can take quite a while..or so it seems to all] and find help from docs and here.

Further, it might help if there is a bit more in the way of a quick summary as to the overall issues...diagnosis, onset, meds, other conditions [such as cancer] that may contribute to your problems.. There are a lot of good, smart, supporting minds here. Good thoughts for now - j

[Kitt]

Just a thought --- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease is an inherited peripheral neuropathy. Not being able to stand on your tiptoes or your heels is something that can happen along with weakness and atrophy in your lower legs and feet and your hands and forearms. Some have pes cavas and some have flat feet. Again, CMT is an atrophy and it is inherited. It is often misdiagnosed as something else. MS is an autoimmune disease.

Is there anyone in your family who has these type of symptoms? CMT symptoms can show up when you are young, old, or in-between. There are DNA blood tests for it as well as EMG/NCV tests, etc.

Kitt