At Neuro Today: Clinical weakness, atrophy, abnormal EMG

[Xina535]

Hi All,

I know the atrophy isn't making sense. I am seeing BOTH neurologists this Thursday for FUPs. The neuro who diagnosed me with plexus nuritis and the professor neurologist who said I had psychosomatic illness in my left arm.

In the meantime, I had my brain MRI today, with and without contrast. The radiologist pulled me in for a quick discussion and said he did not find anything in my brain that would explain my left arm problems or my right hand weakness/issues. I told him about my previous MRI of my neck which showed herniations, then he scrolled to some pictures they took automatically of my cervical neck with the brain MRI and said that I indeed have a significant herniation. He said it's not completely compressed but it is compressed and in his opinion would explain my arm problems. Especially since it is compressed to the LEFT. Thing is though, he can't write that in his report or give me those pictures because the referral from the doctor was for brain MRI only. But it was helpful to hear that from him for sure. I will bring that information to the neurologists too.

About the sensory nerve and I've been reading that I should have sensory nerve affection and my nerve conduction in my left arm should show abnormalities in plexus nuritis and also I guess in herniated discs, but none of those tests were done, so does anyone thing it would be helpful to get those done when I see the neuros this Thurs?

[Pascal35]

Great news
I'm happy that my point is finally making sense
Herniation is the answer.
I hope i could hear the voice of logic for myself too...

Regards

[misterjuanperalta]

I have the same type of compression or bulging in my neck affecting my right arm/hand. It's also at the left side. If this helps, I am glad.

[Xina535]

Pascal - thanks, I sure hope it is the answer. Thank you again for your input and help!

Misterjuan... - I am sorry to hear about your compression. How bad was it, did you have real nerve damage from it?

I finally have some relief in my arm today after physio last night. Less pain and twitching today. The weakness is still there, it feels lame, but it is a bit more stable. I am relieved for sure.

My physiotherapist said he is just going to treat me as if I had these herniations, but wonders and thinks it could be possible that the herniation CAUSED neuritis - like it aggravated the nerve and inflamed it. Don't know if that is possible...

[misterjuanperalta]

Here is an excerpt:

MRI of the cervical spine performed demonstrates diffuse degenerative pathology with disc bulging seen at C2-C3, as well as the C4-C5 and a left-sided disc bulge seen at C6-C7. This does cause neural foraminal narrowing bilaterally at C6-C7. There is no intra-parenchymal cord signal changes or cord compression appreciated.

[Xina535]

Ok, so here I am confused again. Mine also said no compression, but my body sure as he** didn't!

Did you get these things, from the neck problems:

Pain in arm/hand
Clinical weakness arm/hand
Abnormal EMG/s in arm or hand
Twitching arm/hand
Atrophy in arm/hand, or other places
Doctors telling you the neck is not the cause whole some said it was the cause? Confusing explanations.

Definitely having arm pain today. I always know that is a bad sign because other symptoms follow.

[misterjuanperalta]

I get a bit of all of what you get. Symptoms worse in some positions. You are more advanced in stage than I am.

[Ghayes420]

Pain in arm/hand --- very much so, yes
Clinical weakness arm/hand --- no, not at all
Abnormal EMG/s in arm or hand. ---- non beside low grade, simple morphology fascis in tricep
Twitching arm/hand -- God yes
Atrophy in arm/hand, or other places ---- no, after 3.5 years, none

Sounds like you have a neck, spinal issue that is non-lethal. Welcome to BFS. No solid dx and conflicting opinions muddies the waters. Best to stick with a neuromuscular specialist and go from there Xina.
Good luck. This isn't at all a typical MND presentation and not an atypical one either from my studies.

[Xina535]

[misterjuanperalta]

I believe so, but I'm not a Dr. For it to get to your level, it would have to be more advanced.

[Xina535]

[Scboy]

Xina535,
I've read your history and ALS should be far from your mind. I know it is so difficult to be objective on yourself, but you have had this for some time now. Super bad things don't hide for long and you would know by now. You have something obviously and I hope it heals soon, but it's not something that's going to take you down. Stay positive!!!

[Xina535]

Thank you - it helps to hear that from others, it helps me get out of this tunnel persepective and look at the whole picture. I am still so uneasy, though. I am not happy about the sensory symptoms/pain or location of my shoulder being the reasons why this is not MND. I've read so many stories and seen too many you tube videos....my own fault.

[Xina535]

NEW QUESTION

If gabapentin has been helping with my pain - good sign? That this really is a neuropathy/neuritis - whatever? I've taken 3 doses so far and have less pain.

I am of course still open for opinions and tips on the other questions above.

[Yuliasir]

I wonder how could it be a bad sign if a drug designed, among other, as neuropatic pain killer, helps you with the pain ))