General Medical Question - Non Urgent - Refered to Neurologist, confused.

Beka · 15-05-2008, 05:26 PM

I went to the doctors today, because I've been having some weird symptoms; - muscles spasms in my right arm and leg, difficulty lifting my right leg when i walk - i tend to drag my toes and get migraines along with bad co-ordination and balance.

All of this has appeared in the last couple of months, my doctor has refered me to a neurologist, but I'm a bit worried and confused as he did not say much more. I was wondering if anyone could set any light or suggestions on this?

Animad · 15-05-2008, 06:17 PM

It could be a few things. With it being all down one side it could be something in your brain. This can range from a slight bit of damage due to a small bleed to a tumour. It could also be a bit of damage to your spinal cord. Whatever it is, it is something that needs to be looked at as soon as possible and only scans/EEG (brain wave tests)/neurological examinations can really help with a diagnosis. Have you had any recent head injuries/ history of brain tumours in the family/ history or, know whether you have a condition known as hydrocephalus (too much water around/within your brain/spinal cord)? And, did it come on quickly/slowly and is it getting worse?

Beka · 15-05-2008, 10:14 PM

As for head injuries, nothing serious. The only thing I remember doing was hitting my head on an arjo hoist when it span around to recentralise as I stood up. As far as I am aware I do not suffer from hydrocephalus and my family to my knowledge have now history of brain tumours. It came about quite slowly, firstly not being good at picking things up and feeling off balance and over balancing, then the muscle spasms started mainly in my right hand at first then moving up my arm and into my leg. Then I started to noticed that when I was walking something didn't feel quite right, then I realised my foot wasn't always lifting all the way from the ground. I think it all happened over a period of 5 or 6 weeks. Recently nothing else seems to have appeared.

Aidee · 15-05-2008, 10:58 PM

Since the neurologist specializes in issues with the brain and the nerves they will be able to order tests and scans to see where the problem may be, and give you a much better idea of what the problem is than we can. The GP probably didn't want to speculate and worry you before the neurologist could see you and do an assessment.