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Strange
leg numbness that spread to whole body |
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Seven
years ago while my left leg was cramping it went numb.
It has remained numb from the sciatic nerve, down the
back of my leg, wrapping around the outside of my shin,
including my foot bottom, except for my big toe. Most
of the top of my foot is involved too. The numbness is
like Novocain numbness. I also cannot feel cold in these
areas of my leg and foot. The strange part comes with
'flashes' of numbness on my face and body. The other body
parts included are my arms, chest, belly, and back. In
May of this year my back, down my spine, became permanently
numb too. This numbness in my back is the only change
in 7 years. The 'flashes' come and go. I have been to
two neurologists. They have said that I do not have MS.
Beyond that, they (and the MD's) have been clueless. 2
weeks ago I went to have an EEG because I fainted and
seized. I have never seized before. My blood tests and
EEG returned normal. While getting tested, the tech. suggested
I get an EMG for my numbness. It is quite surprising that
this has not been offered to me by anyone else. I will
speak to my MD about it soon. My chiropractor says that
it hits so many nerve areas that it totally baffles him
too. He has been in practice since 1962. He did a test
that seems similar to the EMG at his office. I had NO
response to the electrical current. I felt nothing. He
was surprised because he said that I should have been
jumping off the table with the varied currents he was
sending through me! I get flashes of numbness too. They
can be so strong that I'll be awakened out of a sound
sleep. I will be curious as to what the doctor suggests
causes them. Best of luck. Thank you for your informative
website, as well as this forum. Do you have any suggestions
from my description of numbness?
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Answer
1 |
I
read your post carefully. My first thought was also MS,
and I take it, the Neurologists are fairly confidant that
it is not. Fainting and seizures however are definitely
not part of MS. Needless to say, the object of this exchange
is not to make a diagnosis over the Internet, but just
reading through your post, I wonder if you are having
any toxic exposure in your environment. That may cause
peripheral (the numbness) and central (the fainting and
seizures) problem. An EMG would be helpful to show whether
or not you have a neuropathy. If you do and if there is
no obvious reason for the neuropathy, I would definitely
look into toxic exposure (at home or at work). Good luck.
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Answer
2 |
Urgent,
Please reply. How long have you seen this chiropractor?
I am sure that this is the source of all your numbness
and pain, if you are receiving alignments. The body is
only designed to withstand so much jerking and pulling.
Also there are nerves and nerve roots that can be affected
by frequent adjustment. I suggest you stop seeing him
and see a rheumatologist, neurologist, orthopedist, and
a physical therapist to evaluate your condition. If the
treatment the chiropractor is giving hasn't relieved the
pain or caused additional pain, give up and try something
else. In the long run you will find it's cheaper and safer
to do without the chiropractor. |
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Radiculopathy
with negative EMG for nerve damage |
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I
have constant numbness/tingling in my R LE (bi lateral
at times), increased with activity. Can you explain how
I can have the diagnosis of radiculopathy with a negative
EMG? What exactly does it mean, and will epidural steroid
injections help? Does it mean it's permanent? Also, how
could a sensory root lesion be detected, by NCS? |
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Answer |
To
explain further why the EMG is negative in some cases
with radiculopathy. The medical reasons were pointed out
in previous posting. But I would like to say, if you have
a car with maximum speed limit of, say 120, then it cannot
go faster than that. Similarly, in EMG it has its own
limitations we cannot exceed. We cannot do more than what
it could give; otherwise, we do not need any other tests.
The EMG is complementary or extension to medical examination
and it does not replace or substitute a good medical examination
by all standards. To go back to your question of epidural
steroid injection, it may help, and it is up to your treating
doctor to decide. A negative EMG in your case does not
mean that your symptoms are permanent. On the contrary,
a negative EMG can be reassuring. Finally, I am sorry,
I do not know how to help you with the last point.
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Question
about normal values for peroneal and tibial nerves latency.
Also what about safety? |
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What
would be normal values for peroneal and tibial nerves
(latency in ankle, motor amplitude...) |
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Answer |
Peroneal
nerve values: Terminal Latency: 2.6-6.2 ms Amplitude:
2.6-20.0 mV Motor velocity: 42.9-55.0 m/sec
Tibial nerve values: Terminal Latency: 3.0-6.1 ms Amplitude:
5.8-32.0 mV Motor velocity: 40.0 -62.1 m/sec
All the best.
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Comment |
I
wanted to ask about THE EMG safety also... what is the
amount of electric stimulations (the maximal) you give
in EMG? (in Ampere) I read somewhere it is 10-75 MA WHICH
AMAZED ME AS I KNOW A CURRENT OF 30 MA is enough to kill
a person!!! So how come it is safe?? (May be it is micro
Ampere rather than Milli Ampere???)
Also, Does the electricity you give really travels
through our body or it just the sensory stimulation
(natural) that travels?
Are there any web site with information on EMG SAFETY
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Answer |
Thank
you for this point. It is important issue. Your numbers
are correct, in mA (maximum 100 mA), not MicroA. The point
is that this amount of stimulation is given for very brief
period range from 0.05-1.0 milliseconds only. There are
always safety regulations and no EMG machine is approved
unless it fulfills all safety rules by law. The patient
safety is always on the top.
Regarding the electricity, it travels only through
the nerve under study. For the web sites, I am sure
there are web sites for EMG Safety but I do not recall
or have any at present.
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Comment |
About
the safety...
Do you know of any researches about the long term effects
of an EMG test (the "electric part") such
as possible nerve problems, cardiac problems (that show
up after long time) etc... For example with people who
had several EMGs over the years?
Do you know of any short-term hazards? (Such as people
who feel bad or faint right after the EMG?
* I read somewhere that increased exposure to electric
shocks has been linked to a variety of fatal disorders
such ALS and renal cancer... (That is why pilots get
more ALS and RENAL CANCER according to this research...)
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Answer |
I
am not aware myself and I did not read about any long
term effects of our "diagnostic" nerve stimulation
electrical tests, even if several tests are performed
per year for a normal person or patient in child or adult,
female or male, animals or human. For short term, talking
usually about minutes, pain (variable between persons),
usually tolerable. I have not seen a person fainted from
nerve stimulation tests. The final point, I am not sure
what sort of electrical shocks and for how long the exposure
to be linked to fatal disorders. It would be interesting
if I can read this article. |
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Comment |
here
is the article....
Electric shocks linked to Gehrig's disease
August 18, 1998
NEW YORK, Aug 18 (Reuters) -- A study of utility company
employees in Denmark suggests a link between amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS) and exposure to electromagnetic
fields or electric shocks, according to a study published
in the August issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.
ALS -- also known as Lou Gehrig's disease -- is a rare,
fatal disease characterized by weakness and atrophy
of muscles and a degeneration of the nerves that transmit
messages to muscles in the brain and spinal cord.
In the study, Drs. Christoffer Johansen and Jorgen
H. Olsen with the Danish Cancer Society in Copenhagen
examined National Death Certificate files for the cause
of death in 21,236 men employed in 99 utility companies
in Denmark between 1900 and 1993. Medical records were
obtained to determine cases of ALS.
Overall, 3,540 deaths were noted in these workers,
slightly fewer than the 3,709 expected based on national
mortality rates. Analysis of the records revealed a
twofold increase in deaths from ALS in these men and
a tenfold increase in deaths from electrical accidents
on the basis of 14 and 10 deaths, respectively. Death
from ALS was also found to increase with time since
first employment in a utility company.
"The excess mortality from amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis seems to be associated with above-average
levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields and may
be due to repeated episodes with electric shocks,"
the authors write.
However, the study did not find that increased rates
of other neurological conditions such as senile dementia
and Alzheimer's disease in these men, nor an increased
risk of suicide. Previous studies have linked these
conditions and suicide to above-average exposures to
electromagnetic fields.
"The pattern of mortality from ALS, however, suggests
an association within jobs entailing medium to high
exposure to 50-Hz EMFs (electromagnetic fields), possibly
due to an increased number of episodes with electric
shocks," the authors conclude.
----------------------------------------------------------------
So what is your opinion on that Doctor? Is there a great
difference between the electric shocks they mention
there and the electric shocks in EMG?
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Answer |
I
am sorry for being late in reply. I will not discuss whether
the relation is proven or not, but I want to say this
kind of electrical exposure (EMF) is different from that
used in field of nerve conduction studies. The exposure,
however, in nerve stimulation is low and very brief indeed.
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Significance
of low peroneal F wave persistence |
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Several
weeks ago, when I had my EMG, THERE was a problem with
the peroneal F wave bilaterally. THEY had to give many
shocks until they could elicit the peroneal f wave. (Not
so with the tibial F wave, which was elicited right after
the first shock) - when they did elicit it, IT was completely
normal on both sides - THE latency was 43 MS in the right
and 42 MS in the left, WHICH is normal (IS it?) but again,
many shocks were needed to elicit it. THE doctor who did
the EMG told me that the peroneal F wave is always more
difficult to get. * Except that, totally normal EMG I
did some self research on that, yet I could not find the
answer to several questions: 1. WHAT IS THE pathological
significance of totally normal f wave, which is very difficult
to elicit (low persistence)- this is the most important
question - I could not find answers anywhere? 2. What
is your own experience with the peroneal f wave - DO you
also find it difficult to elicit? HOW many stimulations
are needed for it in your experience (more than for other
nerves) 3. Does the fact it was difficult to elicit it
in both sides gives you any clue about the possible cause?
4. Position- HOW do you check for the peroneal f wave
- only when I was sitting, could the doctor elicit the
f wave, SO maybe it has something to do with position..
I posted on this issue in the past, yet since then I did
some reading and these questions came up.. |
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Answer |
1. WHAT
IS THE pathological significance of totally normal f wave,
which is very difficult to elicit (low persistence)- this
is the most important question - I could not find answers
anywhere?
Answer: it could happen with any disease causing nerve
damage, such as neuropathy, radiculopathy. It may happen
without clinical significance in practical terms, especially
with peroneal nerve. This is related practically and
usually to habit of sitting (squatting).
2.what is your own experience with the peroneal f wave
- DO you also find it difficult to elicit? HOW many
stimulations are needed for it in your experience (more
than for other nerves)
Answer: It might be difficult to elicit due to previous
explanation. The number of stimulation is variable,
but to mention numbers, then 4-6 extra stimulations
are usually enough.
3.Does the fact it was difficult to elicit it in both
sides gives you any clue about the possible cause?
Answer: It may help, but we need to see other parameters
and clinical history and examination.
4. position- HOW do you check for the peroneal f wave
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only when I was sitting, could the doctor elicit the
f wave, SO maybe it has something to do with position..
Answer: I do not think so, position does not actually
affect the F wave parameters.
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EMG/neurological
tests in multiple level disc and upper and lower limb
complains |
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I
suffer from extreme low back pain and neck pain and weakness
in my arms pains in my shoulders...and more. I had surgery
on my back 10 years ago. I had an MRI and it shows multiple
levels of bulging. I have numbness in hands and feet,
sciatica,,,etc...My question is why do I have to go to
a neurosurgeon or get EMG test?? I am going tomorrow for
the neurology tests. However I already met with a neck
surgeon who said he would be happy to operate on my neck...He
didn't need Nero tests???? It seems to me I should see
a orthopedic surgeon not a neurosurgeon...I heard that
neck surgery may stabilize a back...Is that true??? The
multiple levels of bulging are in my neck... |
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Answer |
Various
doctors rely on different tests to establish a diagnosis
and it may well be that in cases like yours, there are
too many doctors involved in the care who might not know
what the others are thinking. It is always best to narrow
down the number of doctors you're dealing with to avoid
such situations.
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EMG
of Soles of Feet |
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Is
nerve conduction of soles of the feet subject to the same
limitations as the needle exam? Is the 47 m/s normal conduction
velocity limit for index to palm applicable to the LL? |
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Answer |
In answer
to your questions:
Nerve Conduction of the soles of the feet (for plantar
nerve branches) is not subject to the same limitations
as the needle exam of muscles. There are well-described
techniques and normal values for that.
As for your questions about a 47 m/s index to palm
conduction, it depends on what the normal values are
for the lab that did the study (depends on machine,
electrode position, stimulation paramaters etc.) and
that's the real gold standard. In our lab, this value
is within normal limits.
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Comment |
Thanks
very much for your response. This is a very helpful site.
Here are the stimulation parms... I tried to scan the
image but scanner is not working....
The lab indicated a temp of 33.6 C, though I do NOT
remember them ever putting a thermometer on my hand.
My hands felt very cold. I'm 6' 3" tall.
SNC Record Switch: N-R Stim: 1 Rate: Non-Recurrent
Level: 21.7 mA Dur: 0.1 ms SINGLE
Stimulus Site:
Lat1 ms Lat2 ms Amp uV Area uVms
Palm 2.1 3.9 25 54
Segment: Dist mm Diff ms CV m/s Temp C CVco m/s
Index finger-Palm 100 2.1 47
The lab that did the recording concluded that sensory
Nerve conduction was 'minimally' slow with motor conductions/f-waves
normal. They diagnosed a peripheral neuropathy. The
folks in Boston (Brigham and Womens) reviewed it and
said that it all appeared quite normal. B and W also
seemed a bit concerned about the accuracy of the temp.
If this information is enough for you indicate normal/slow,
then great. If not I understand perfectly. I'm just
trying to get a sense for whom to believe.
Thanks again for your time and effort and particularly
patience,
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Answer |
Again
these values are different from Lab to Lab however in
my Lab these figures will be within the normal limits. |
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Comment |
Thanks
much. What I have learned from going through this is that
it is of critical importance that Drs and Techs have an
extremely high level of training on EMG/NCS technology.
This is NOT straightforward material. I am very grateful
of the time and effort you have put into answering my
questions. Great Web site !!! |
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Answer |
I
would definitely describe it in the exact same words. |
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EMG
report for suspected herniation of lumbar disk |
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I
have suffered from low back/left leg pain for over 9 years
now, and was finally, after much misdiagnosis, diagnosed
with a herniated L4-5, and bulging at L3-4 disk. They
wanted an EMG done prior to approving the surgery and
it was done. I got a copy of the report, but don’t
understand it. It says the "EMG revealed no evidence
of radiculopathy, neuropathy or distal nerve entrapment
of the lumbosacral spine and both lower extremities."
What would normal EMG numbers be? |
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Answer |
As
I read the narrative of this report, the doctor is saying
that no abnormalities were found in the test, which is
usually another way of saying that the test is Normal.
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Atrophy
of Leg |
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My
eighteen-year old son's left calf is 2 3/4" smaller in
diameter than his right calf. He is unable to raise up
on the toes of his left leg and has no achillies reflex.
He experiences almost constant lower back pain, and significant
knee pain due to hyperextension of his knee with each
step he takes. He has had an MRI of his lower spine, which
showed no tumors, and has now had a pelvic MRI, which
we are awaiting the results on. If this MRI is also clear,
what would your next plan of action be to determine the
cause? He is a 4-year letterman, 2-year all-conference
football player. The two doctors he has seen have both
been amazed at his ability to play football so well, given
the extent of the weakness in this leg. Basically, they
have both said, "I wonder how great a player he would
have been if he would have had two legs to run with."
He has been selected to play on the Southern Colorado
football team in the Down Under Bowl this summer. We would
really like to get to the bottom of his leg problem, send
him to Australia, and out into the world healthy. Thank
you for your consideration. |
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Answer |
EMG
is useful to perform in your son to confirm or exclude
nerve damage. This would also help to determine the level
and severity of the lesion. Also, it is true that some
patients have asymmetry of legs (atrophy) but it is really
amazing how such muscle can compensate to do its function.
Please keep us updated if EMG or other studies are done.
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Comment |
Just
from reading your description, I was thinking the MRI
of the low back was going to show a disc (L5-S1) because
of the history of back pain, calf wasting and inability
to raise up on the toes on the left. You say the MRI showed
no tumors. I take it no discs either. That's probably
why they are doing a pelvic MRI to see if there is anything
in the abdomen pressing on the lumbosacral plexus (http://www.teleemg.com/Anatomy/Nerves/LSPlxAnat.htm).
A good EMG would be very helpful in cases like this
as it will:
a) Show the amount of nerve/muscle damage (and whether
it is recent or old) and
b) Localize the damage to the roots or lumbosacral
plexus (or elsewhere)
That would be very useful information at this point.
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Answer
1 |
My
son's pelvic MRI also came back negative. The EMG has
shown the doctor exactly where the nerve damage is in
his calf. The EMG also showed another problem. The doctor
doing the EMG told me that the standard for EMG's was
to measure the time it took for the electric impulse to
travel 15 centimeters. He said the normal response time
was 3.5 milliseconds. I do not know what the response
time was in the atrophied leg, but the doctor found an
average response time of 4.22 in both his arms, and his
normal leg. Just when we thought we might be at the origin
of the problem, another detour has presented itself. Now
the doctor has ordered the following blood test:
Peripheral Neuropathy Profile:
Fasting Blood Sugar
HgA1C
B12 Folate
Thyroid Panal
U/A Heavy Metal Screen
CBC/Diff/West.Sed Rate
SMAC22
HIV
The doctor did not want to explain too much as to his
reasons for wanting this blood work. He said he was
so sure that one of the MRI's was going to show a tumor
or growth that he feels very bad about conveying his
feelings of that being the probable results and does
not want to "overload" us with more information
and possibilities at this time. I am now almost wishing
there would have been a tumor. At least that would have
been something we could have surgically repaired. Now
the great unknown is the scariest.
Please continue to relay any thoughts or views you
may have. Right now I need all the support and encouragement
I can get!
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Answer
2 |
I
think your Doctor is right. He's trying to find all the
information before he can give you a final answer. Doctors
don't like to give partial answers only to retract them
afterwards when the tests show otherwise.
It would be helpful to know what exactly was the abnormality
seen on the EMG.
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Comment
1 |
Our
next appointment with the doctor is February 9, 2001.
At this time he will go over all of the test results with
us. He also wanted the two weeks to go over the two MRI's,
the EMG, x-rays, etc., and hopefully with a view of the
total picture, reach at least a tentative conclusion.
He is doubtful that the results from the blood work will
be back by this appointment, but in speaking with the
lab personal, the results could very well be back.
Once again, thanks for your feedback, and I will update
with all new information I receive.
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Comment
2 |
The
blood work and urine sample all came back negative. The
doctor has concluded that my son suffers from peripheral
neuropathy. He said that 45% of neuropathies are caused
from diabetes, the arthritis family, etc., 5% are caused
by cancer, etc., and the remaining 50% is of unknown origin.
He believes my son falls into the latter group. He wants
to do another EMG in three months to determine if there
is any continued atrophy, and wants us to contact him
immediately if my son experiences any unusual symptoms,
like excessive thirst, tingling or strange sensations,
weakness, vision problems, etc. In the meantime, my son
still experiences back pain, and is wearing three heel
lifts in his left shoe to help with the knee pain. Should
I get another opinion, or do you feel all has been done
that can be done at this time? Should my son just learn
to live with the pain and discomfort?
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Answer
1 |
Thank
you for the update. Although we do not have full details
of EMG but his doctor has diagnosed peripheral neuropathy,
which is frequently easy from clinical examination and
EMG. Having said that, it is not always easy to find what
is causing this peripheral neuropathy. Although, it is
sensible to follow the advice of the doctor, but it is
not too bad to seek second opinion of a neurologist if
possible. |
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Answer
2 |
Thank
you for the update. Although we do not have full details
of EMG but his doctor has diagnosed peripheral neuropathy,
which is frequently easy from clinical examination and
EMG. Having said that, it is not always easy to find what
is causing this peripheral neuropathy. Although, it is
sensible to follow the advice of the doctor, but it is
not too bad to seek second opinion of a neurologist if
possible. |
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Pain
after hip replacement surgery |
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I
had hip replacement surgery in Dec.00 Since then I have
Jabbing pain sometimes severe in my groin & radially around
my hip joint. It in no way effects the muscles, which
have become stronger due to exercises, suggested by my
physical therapist & also the rehab I attended. I had
a spinal anesthesia for surgery. I'm wondering if my femoral
nerve could be affected? Maybe there are other possibilities?
I've been back to the surgeon once since surgery & the
X-rays look normal & he was satisfied. How ever I do have
the recalled Sulzer part that may have had the excess
oil on it. The symptoms for that defect are supposed to
show up in 6 to 8 weeks & cause pain & inability to put
weight on the leg. I've had the pain since surgery but
am able to walk without pain. |
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Answer |
It
seems that the pain is still related to your hip joint,
although not significantly affecting your walking and
your doctor was satisfied, and X rays fine as well. Also,
your muscles are fine, therefore, femoral nerve is unlikely
to be affected from your description. Femoral nerve affection
would cause weakness especially on going upstairs or getting
up from sitting position. Also, it would leads to atrophy
of front thigh muscles, and it seems that you do not have
those. |
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Thigh
pain after EMG |
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I
just had an EMG done, and ever since then, I have had
some moderate to severe pain in my left thigh. I had no
pain there before the test, which was quite painful. The
doctor who performed the test doesn't know why I would
have this pain. Is this a common side effect of the EMG?
If so, how long can I expect it to last? Any help you
can give is greatly appreciated, and I look forward to
hearing from you. |
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Answer |
The
pain or discomfort at the site of EMG insertion may last
minutes and up to few hours and very rarely up to 24 hours.
If it is longer or moderate to severe, another cause should
be looked for. However, you did not mention how long you
have this pain following EMG and why, to start with, EMG
was performed?
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LL
weakness & EMG findings. Is it ALS? |
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Hi.
I have been having progressive lower extremity weakness
over the past three years. I have seen 3 ortho doc's thinking
it was my knee (I have a chronic ache in my left knee).
Two days ago I underwent EMG and nerve conduction studies
(very painful). The nerve studies were normal. The EMG
revealed Fibrillations and positive waves in my calves,
supraspinous muscles and deltoids. There was very little
muscle fiber in my left calf. Are these findings consistent
with ALS? How about MD? I am a 29-year-old female. What
other testing can I expect? |
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Answer |
On
one hand, the EMG findings are incomplete to draw a conclusion
i.e. the motor unit potentials (MUP) description. On the
other hand, the EMG findings must be taken in context
of the clinical picture (history and examination) and
not on its own, because those may suggest any of them
or other diseases. I would recommend seeing a neurologist
(if you have not yet seen one) before proceeding with
other investigations.
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Severed
common peroneal nerve |
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My
sister endured a spiral break of the left fibula back
in December. She experienced severe swelling and although
the bone is now healed she is still not able to walk.
A recent EMG test revealed that she had severed her common
peroneal nerve, deep peroneal nerve and superficial peroneal
nerve. I want desperately for her to regain full use of
her leg and the ability to walk and run. can someone please
advise us as to where we can find the best doctors and
treatment? Many thanks! |
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Answer |
The
severity of the injury to common peroneal nerve is an
important factor to determine the prognosis or recovery
after the lesion. A severe lesion may take quite long
time (months) to observe any improvement. There is still
time and hope for recovery because she had the trauma
in December. Follow up EMG can help to show any signs
of recovery. She needs physiotherapy. Also, she needs
to consult neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon but I have
no names, it depends on the state you live in; all have.
I hope this is helpful.
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Comment |
Thank
you so much for getting back to me with the valuable information.
My sister did see her doctor today and he set up appointments
with a neurologist and physiologist. I’m glad that
you had made similar suggestions. We realize, however,
that time may be of the essence. She was told that if
any surgery is possible it would need to be done within
three months of the trauma. We live on long island, in
a suburb of new York city. Do you know of any hospitals
and/or surgeons who have performed this type of surgery?
We would also be willing to go out of state. We just want
the best for her. Many, many thanks for your help.
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Answer |
I
am trying to get some doctor names. I will come back to
you once I have any. |
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Comment
1 |
Yesterday
I went with my sister to the orthopedist and a vascular
doctor. The orthopedist did not recommend surgery. He
said that the EMG shows that she has 30% connectivity,
which explains her ability to move the foot a little.
He also said that the damage was done to the microfibres
within the tibial nerve and that these microfibres are
much too small to perform surgery. He recommended a brace,
time, and physical therapy to regain more mobility.
The vascular doctor feels that there may be some kind
of blockage in the front of the foot preventing nerve
connection. He also mentioned something about the "sympathetic
system" playing a part in her inability to increase
strength and mobility. He recommended a cortisone shot
in the foot to wake it up so to speak and improve circulation.
First, however, he wants her to see the neurologist.
She has an appointment this morning with the neurologist.
Does any of this make sense? Do you have any suggestions
for treatment to maximize her mobility? Is there anything
else she should be doing to protect herself from further
damage?
We are very grateful for any information you can provide.
Have a wonderful day. |
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Comment
2 |
My
sister met with the neurologist this morning. The neurologist
mentioned that my sister might have RSD. What is RSD?
How is it detected? How is it treated?
I apologize for all the questions. We just feel so overwhelmed,
and we just want to make sure that my sister is being
advised properly. We don't want to find out months from
now that she should have done something else. |
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Answer |
Many
patients complain of chronic pains associated with motor
and sensory symptoms, often associated with "autonomic"
features. This pain is considered as reflex sympathetic
dystrophy=RSD which is really symptom complex, and it
may come as post traumatic pain. It may also come with
illnesses such as neuropathy, plexopathy, radiculopathy,
myelopathy. The term RSD is sooner or later offered as
a fallback diagnostic alternative in many patients. The
issue has been addressed by the International Association
for the Study of Pain (IASP), and it has renamed RSD as
" complex regional pain syndrome ", which is,
in fact, more descriptive. Generally, the pain of RSD
often seems to be out of proportion to the severity of
the injury in both its duration and intensity. Characteristically,
it is burning or deep aching pain. There are several tests
could be done but its diagnosis is basically depends on
clinical grounds and by excluding other possibilities
by the treating neurologist. There are non surgical and
surgical modalities are offered for treatment. The treating
doctor may be able to decide and it can be successful.
I hope this is helpful. |
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Comment |
Thank
you very much for the information. It is extremely helpful.
My sister visited a neurologist in NYC, and he is not
sure whether she has this RSD condition or not. My sister
has the burning, lack of mobility, and discoloration of
the foot, with extreme temperature fluctuations, but she
does not have the chronic pain.
She is undergoing intensive physical therapy, and the
doctor feels that in time the nerve will regenerate.
He said that the nerve regenerates at approximately
1mm a day. We're hoping that he is correct.
Do you have any advice on what she can do to help her
body heal?
Thanks again for your time and knowledge.
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Comment
from another
Patient 1 |
I
severed my calf and peroneal nerve eleven years ago. About
10 months after surgery and while in PT I was able to
pick my foot up for the first time. I never regained full
motion but did get it back to about 70 % and was able
to stay active without the drop foot brace. However, about
4 weeks ago I hyper-extended my knee pretty badly and
have once again lost most of the feeling on the side of
my leg and in the top of the foot. I've also lost the
ability to lift my foot. It was frustrating trying to
find a Dr. but was finally able to do so @ Stony Brook
hospital. I am going for an EMG and nerve conduction study
in another two weeks to see if surgery may be necessary.
Anyway, I'm confident since I was able to get function
back the first time and truly believe that physical therapy
had a lot to do with it so make sure your sister goes
religiously. If anybody else reads this and has any knowledge
about this subject than please let me know. Thanks |
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Comment
from another
Patient 2 |
You
might want to check out www.mybrokenleg.com
I too have a broken leg and I don't know how I would have
made it without that site. There are diaries, links, and
the best discussion board. I recommend you posting on
that site as well as this one. Chances are you will find
the answers you looking for. Everyone there can relate
and they are very helpful and knowledgable. Check it out!
I highly recommend it. Best of luck to you. |
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