Weird neurological symptoms no diagnosis
 

I have been unwell since jan 2009 starting with dizziness/clumsiness along with extreme arm weakness/pain, dropping things, un-coordinated, extreme exhaustion and once I couldn't sense/feel? legs while walking down the stairs. Shooting toe pain and blurred spaced out vision. Left eye feels sore. These episodes happen between 6 and 9 weeks and can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Basically i feel like I am drunk. I was referred to ENT consultant who had 2 (non-contrast) MRI's done which were normal. I recently saw a neurologist who told me that my neurology exam was normal. He proceeded to tell me that I have (as do about 50%) of his patients unexplained symptoms and that he would see me in a year. He gave me no solution to help eleviate symptoms and basically said that it would probably go on for a long time. He told me that I did not have any of the serious illness such as Parkinson, Stroke, brian tumour, Multiple Sclorsis, Cancer etc. However he did not order any tests say to rule out MS like MRI of spine nor lumbar puncture test.

My question is based on symptom history, 2 normal non contrast brain MRI(from ENT consultant) and normal neurology exam can he definitely rule out MS for example. Also if he is telling me that my symtoms are not due to anxiety or depression and he does not know what causing them how can he say that they will go on for a long time and what is the point in seeing me in a year if nothing can be done about them. Totally upset and baffled. Should I get second opinion??

I'm curious if you had the neuro exam 'while' experiencing one of these episodes? I'm guessing not, otherwise your exam certainly wouldn't have been normal. Therefore, I would suggest another opinion (or even the same doctor) when one of these events is actually occurring. Then maybe they will run some tests (labs, EMG, MRI, LP, etc) to rule out various neuro or autoimmune disorders.

Thanks for reply
 

The day I saw neurologist I was feeling ok. I don't know what doctors are like where you are from but here in Ireland you can be waiting upto 2 years for an appointment. I will be lucky to get re-seen again in a years time. There is a huge history of autoimmune disease on my parents side and I was diagnosed with Graves disease in 2006 but it is in remission since 2009 and I am not on any meds for it. Both my parents have pernicious anemia so I have had my b12 levels checked also and was told they were fine. Last test in February was 451 pg/ml (range 180 to 1160). Really fed-up as i am a positive person and really feel now like it is all in my head even though I know it is not if that makes sense. Whatever is going on is attacking my nerves intermitently and I feel like I am drunk (I dont drink, bar once or twice a year). Horrible feeling. Thanks

Sounds like you could really use a thorough work up for autoimmune diseases...which many have neuro manifestations.

The chance that it will present itself on a given day you have an appt (especially if not for a year) may not be so realistic. Would it possible to present in an ER during one of these episodes so it could at least be documented and a basic neuro exam performed? Then the report can be taken at your next visit.

With your family history it's shame that a more serious attitude by the doctor wasn't taken and at least some basic tests ordered. Is it possible the thyroid is 'not' in remission any more? Any labs ordered?

Sorry this continues to happen without answers. It must be a scary and frustrating experience. I'm sure this is NOT in your head. Neuro problems are frequently intermittent and can be very difficult to isolate the cause. It will be even more difficult without good access to doctors and tests...at least in a timely manner.

Hopefully others will be along to offer suggestions or supplement advice (Mrs. D) that may help while you wait.

some things occur to me
 

I have some personal similar experience with a few similar things. Viral meningitis (not bacterial-the scary fatal contagious kind) but brought on by many viruses like Lyme, herpes, many tropical diseases. I have recurring aseptic viral meningitis caused by unknown virus. Not all meningitis recurs most people have it one time and it takes me about a year to get over. I went to 6-7 doctors with similar odd symptoms and a lumbar puncture finally confirmed meningitis.

LP's aren't fun, and there is some risk. But it would confirm the diagnosis or not. There is also a test for Lyme, which seems to be quite the strange up and coming weird problem. I don't know if Lyme exists where you are but it might be worth a blood test.

These occurrences could also be migraine (you can have aura with all kinds of weird symptoms) without getting a headache. There are also TIA's (trans ischemic attacks. I have friends that have both and I have migraines that have similar aura symptoms to your symptoms. My symptoms started at age 19 and continue today at age 50 with some changes through the years. Most ESPECIALLY the eye pain, feeling drunk, and some of the things you mention make me think migraine migraine migraine. I would find a neuro that specializes in migraines. I have good friends that have TIA'S and migraines that have been diagnosed as heart attacks and all sorts of things that were way off base. Migraines are very weird beasts.

I would also find and endocrinologist and get a full blood workup including CBC, Lyme test (not antibody test but test for the Lyme bacterium), hereditary tests for any immune disorders in the family and have all of your hormones checked. This could be thyroid, cortisol, adrenal, pituitary, testosterone (yes for women and men) and many other hormones gone crazy. Check for vitamin deficiencies and if you take vitamins or supplements be sure you aren't getting too much of something.

There was a recent link here to a movie I mentioned about Lyme that you can rent on Amazon for 3.99 or Netflix instant watch both streaming instant watch that is very interesting called under our skins.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread151385.html

There is also mononucleosis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, cluster headaches http://www.doctorslounge.com/neurolo...pic-27905.html

Google a few things and see if you come up with something that strikes you as very similar.

Hope this helps. Best of luck. :o

Great to meet you!!
 

Happy to see you have come to be with us. We are here to give care and love to fellow members. As you can tell here is a large number great friends here to assist you. Just let us know if we can be of any help. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways. Please keep us up to date. Check out the founding forum:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum44.html

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene :hug:

weird neuroligical symptoms
 

Does anyone know if there is another test that definely rule out MS because I have been having Optic neuritis and I have lost my sight in my left eye I have episode of leg weakness and waking up and unable to move. I drop things. I have weird sensation when I wash my hair that make my whole body shake. I have no feel that I have to go the until it is ready to come out most of the time it is to late. I have problems with my memory. I have had a spinal tap MRI CT scan and lab test and the DR. was only able to tell me that I have optic neuritis and my bladder retain urine and I am only 33 yrs old.I have pain in the palm of my hand and I have numbness in my legs. the MRI of my spine it showed a herinated disk that they said was not pressing on the nerve. L1 L2 L3. I just don't understand what is happening to me.

Hello Concerned
 

Welcome to NT! :hug:

I'm sorry you are faced with these symptoms. Your question would be a good one to post over on the MS forum. Here's the link to get you there:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=17

This is a great place for support and understanding. I hope you can begin to get some answers soon.

It's great to have you!

Caring,
Rae
:grouphug:

Hello & Welcome!!