[wllwrt4fd]

Hi everyone,

I've been in and out of doctor's offices for almost a year now. Last year, during my senior year of college I began to get an unusual feeling of numbness every time I wore any clothes on my lower half. It seems lately though that my right leg is far worse off than my left. I'm really starting to get discouraged because it seems like they've tried almost every conceivable test and yet still no answers. My condition has baffled multiple doctors and specialists. I've a cervical, thoracic, and brain MRI all of which came back clear.
Recently my chiropractor discovered that I have a little bit of Lordosis and Scoliosis, although my neurologist says that doesn't really explain all of my symptoms. I've also had a spinal tap, which came back negative for everything. I have one of the best doctors in the US looking at my case and even he's stumped. I don't know what to do anymore. The only thing they haven't done is an MRI of my lumbar Spine. How can I pressure the insurance company into getting this done for me? What else should I try? I've also had every blood test imaginable for all those who were wondering and they all came back negative, but I know something is wrong. I just don't feel normal. My chiropractor also recently discovered that my Atlas was misaligned. I don't know what to do or think anymore. It's so frustrating.

[gatorhead]

Lower numbness for me would be an automatic lumbar MRI. Sure the Cervical and even thoracic could play roles with the lower body but the Lumbar is the nerve exodus to the lower extremities.

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by wllwrt4fd

How can I pressure the insurance company into getting this done for me? What else should I try?

If one of the best doctors in the US can't justify one to your ins. co., I don't know any way you could pressure them.

If you want it badly enough to pay for it out of pocket, shop around. Prices (w & w/o contrast) range from ~$500 -- ~$2000.

Doc

[Dubious]

Originally Posted by wllwrt4fd

Hi everyone,

I've been in and out of doctor's offices for almost a year now. Last year, during my senior year of college I began to get an unusual feeling of numbness every time I wore any clothes on my lower half. It seems lately though that my right leg is far worse off than my left. I'm really starting to get discouraged because it seems like they've tried almost every conceivable test and yet still no answers. My condition has baffled multiple doctors and specialists. I've a cervical, thoracic, and brain MRI all of which came back clear.
Recently my chiropractor discovered that I have a little bit of Lordosis and Scoliosis, although my neurologist says that doesn't really explain all of my symptoms. I've also had a spinal tap, which came back negative for everything. I have one of the best doctors in the US looking at my case and even he's stumped. I don't know what to do anymore. The only thing they haven't done is an MRI of my lumbar Spine. How can I pressure the insurance company into getting this done for me? What else should I try? I've also had every blood test imaginable for all those who were wondering and they all came back negative, but I know something is wrong. I just don't feel normal. My chiropractor also recently discovered that my Atlas was misaligned. I don't know what to do or think anymore. It's so frustrating.

You didn't say where your numbness was, other than insinuating it was your legs. Since it is associated with your clothing, has anyone considered meralgia paraesthetica? It IS curious with your stated lower extremity complaints that a lumbar MRI was not considred by your neurologist....perhaps your clinical findings did not support one?

Regarding the chiropractic dogma, give it 2-4 weeks...if not improving....well...IMHO!

[wllwrt4fd]

The condition you listed meralgia paraesthetica could definitely be a possibility. I'll mention it to my doctor. Thanks(:

[Dubious]

Originally Posted by wllwrt4fd

The condition you listed meralgia paraesthetica could definitely be a possibility. I'll mention it to my doctor. Thanks(:

I am hoping that is what it is! If it is so, MP is an irritation to a superfiscial (lateral femoral) cutaneous nerve that is an annoyance, not a serious problem. Usually it just involves identifying the offending problem then it all fades away. But you of course, need someone to definatively diagnose your problem. Good luck!

[wllwrt4fd]

Originally Posted by Dubious

I am hoping that is what it is! If it is so, MP is an irritation to a superfiscial (lateral femoral) cutaneous nerve that is an annoyance, not a serious problem. Usually it just involves identifying the offending problem then it all fades away. But you of course, need someone to definatively diagnose your problem. Good luck!

Unfortunately, my doctor doesn't think that condition is consistent with my symptoms, but I might get a Lumbar MRI next Friday as long as the insurance company approves it, so maybe I'll get some answers after that. Thanks though, I appreciate it. It also made me think about looking into problems with sensory nerves a little bit more(:

[Leesa]

I can't believe that the doctors didn't do a lumbar MRI first!!! Why a spinal tap? That doesn't even sound reasonable! I would think that the lumbar MRI would have been first in their minds, but who knows what goes thru their heads.

And PLEASE -- since you dont' know what the problem is DON'T GO TO THE CHIROPRACTOR!!! Any manipulation at this point could put you in a wheel chair. Two different neurosurgeons told me that any spinal patient needs to steer clear of Chiros' unless they want to end up paralyzed, and especially if you don't have a diagnosis!

I hope your neuro can convince the insurance company that this MRI is needed for a proper diagnosis! And please let us know what the report says once you have it. We can help decipher it when you get it. Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee

[wllwrt4fd]

Indication: Numbness of legs



Technique: MRI lumbar spine with sagittal and axial T1 and T2
weighted images, postcontrast sagittal and axial T1-weighted images.



Contrast: 11 mL Multihance IV.



Findings: Alignment is near-anatomic. Vertebral body and disk
heights relatively preserved. No suspicious focal T1 dark marrow
lesions. Small Schmorl's nodes are noted at some levels for example
superior endplate L3. No significant compromise of the canal or
neural foramina at any level. Distal cord and conus is within normal
limits position T12/L1 and roots of cauda equina appear within normal
limits.



Probable nerve root sheath cyst noted along the extraforaminal S1
nerve root and to a lesser extent S2 nerve roots more proximal, not
uncommonly seen.



No abnormal enhancement cord, cauda equina, or coverings.



Impression: Unremarkable MRI lumbar spine except for probable nerve
root sheath cysts associated with right S1 greater than S2 nerve
roots, not uncommonly seen. No explanation for bilateral lower
extremity numbness.

[Dubious]

Originally Posted by wllwrt4fd

Indication: Numbness of legs



Technique: MRI lumbar spine with sagittal and axial T1 and T2
weighted images, postcontrast sagittal and axial T1-weighted images.



Contrast: 11 mL Multihance IV.



Findings: Alignment is near-anatomic. Vertebral body and disk
heights relatively preserved. No suspicious focal T1 dark marrow
lesions. Small Schmorl's nodes are noted at some levels for example
superior endplate L3. No significant compromise of the canal or
neural foramina at any level. Distal cord and conus is within normal
limits position T12/L1 and roots of cauda equina appear within normal
limits.



Probable nerve root sheath cyst noted along the extraforaminal S1
nerve root and to a lesser extent S2 nerve roots more proximal, not
uncommonly seen.



No abnormal enhancement cord, cauda equina, or coverings.



Impression: Unremarkable MRI lumbar spine except for probable nerve
root sheath cysts associated with right S1 greater than S2 nerve
roots, not uncommonly seen. No explanation for bilateral lower
extremity numbness.

These are not huge findings but does underscore the necessity to correlate your physical exam findings with your imaging findings or lack thereof.

I assume that all has been exhausted looking for metabolic causes? At this point, if all has been explored, it may be time to go fishing for the outlires. From what I am reading, your issues are more sensory than they are inclusive of motor involvement so less common neurodiagnostic tests like DSSEP's (derma somatasensonsory evoked potentials) do tests the sensory portion of the nervous system and may be worthy of persuing should your profile warrent it. It is possible that your symptoms could be coming from higher up and probably should now be considered but I wouldn't put a lot of stock in that direction...


Good luck!