[43F] Experiencing neurological and systemic symptoms

Patient Description

A 43-year-old female reports a complex medical history exacerbated by an auto accident resulting in epilepsy. She is experiencing tingling, numbness, and pins and needles sensations in her feet, hands, arms, and lips for approximately 3 months. These sensations sometimes wake her from sleep and are bothersome during walking and sitting. She also has balance issues leading to falls, which she initially attributed to epilepsy medication side effects. Additionally, she has bladder issues characterized by difficulty emptying the bladder when full and dribbling when not as full. She has been experiencing these bladder issues for 3 months, with normal urine lab test results. Other symptoms include trouble swallowing, speech problems, and right eye issues despite being told her vision is fine. Her medical history includes migraines, lupus clotting antigen, a thyroid nodule, high WBC count, osteonecrosis, shoulder pain, an eye disease, insomnia, asthma, scoliosis, autoimmune thyroid disorder, and spinal stenosis. She is currently taking a range of medications including Lexapro, Flexiril, Mirtazapine, Xanax, Pantoprazole, Folic Acid, Baclofen, Ranitidine, Metoprolol, Vitamin D, Lamotrigine, and Nurtec for migraines.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, it's possible that you could be experiencing:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a range of symptoms, including numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, tingling or pain, lack of coordination or unsteady gait, fatigue, and problems with bladder control. MS can also cause problems with sexual, bowel and bladder function.

    • Diagnosis of MS typically involves a neurological exam, MRI, evoked potential tests, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.
    • Treatment for MS can include physical therapy, medication to control symptoms, and medication to decrease the rate at which MS gets worse.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition results from damage to the peripheral nerves, and can cause weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body.

    • Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy often involves neurological examinations, blood tests, and nerve function tests.
    • Treatment typically involves managing the condition causing the neuropathy and relieving symptoms. Medications can be used to control pain.
  • Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It's often considered a rheumatic condition, a type of condition that impairs the joints and/or soft tissues and causes chronic pain.

    • Diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be difficult, as there isn't a specific test. Instead, doctors rely on a comprehensive physical exam and an assessment of symptoms.
    • Treatment for fibromyalgia can involve a combination of medications, exercise, stress management techniques, and healthy lifestyle habits.

What you can do

You should definitely consult with your doctor about these symptoms. They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, here are some things you can do:

  1. Keep a symptom diary. This can help you and your doctor understand your symptoms better.
  2. Stay active. Regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of fatigue and improve your mood.
  3. Practice good sleep hygiene. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, keeping your bedroom dark and quiet, and avoiding caffeine and large meals before bedtime.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms
  • You experience severe pain
  • You have difficulty breathing
  • You have changes in your mental status, such as confusion or difficulty concentrating

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I am an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) include numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, tingling or pain, lack of coordination or unsteady gait, fatigue, and problems with bladder control. MS can also cause issues with sexual, bowel, and bladder function.


How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed and treated?

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed through neurological examinations, blood tests, and nerve function tests. Treatment involves managing the underlying condition causing the neuropathy and relieving symptoms, often with medications to control pain.


What lifestyle changes can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms?

Lifestyle changes that can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms include regular physical activity, stress management techniques, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and practicing good sleep hygiene.


What should I do if my symptoms worsen or I develop new symptoms?

If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. This is especially important if you experience severe pain, difficulty breathing, or changes in your mental status, such as confusion or difficulty concentrating.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback