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Burning, tingling upper arms and weak un-coordinated legs
by Bill
Hi, Following diving into a swimming pool from a highboard I found that impact with the water affected my neck. Initially pain was felt in the neck and a deep burning heavy sensation completely engulfing both arms. After 15 mins this sensation had faded to a burning tingling of the upper arms. A few weeks have passed and the pain in my neck has reduced to more a stiffness reducing the full range of movement and the burning and tingling sensation seems mostly localised in my left upper arm. I guess this suggests that I'm on my way to a recovery,however, more recently I am finding that both legs are seemingly weakening and feel un-coordinated, not unlike the effects of excess alchohol and sometimes find myself stumbling about until I can catch them. I am usually fit and active so find the new symptoms quite distressing. A visit to the local hospital had them give me basic strength and balance tests which seems to give them no cause for concern and they suggested that maybe I just needed a little exercise to get back on form. It doesn't seem to be working and my leg condition appears to be worsening. Any advice would be appreciated. Regards. Hello Bill, An urgent consultation with a neurologist is paramount, and an MRI of your neck. I take it you did not injure your lower back as well? When an injury in the neck affects the spinal cord (in the neck) it produces exactly these symptoms in the legs. They are known in medical jargon as "long tract signs". Serious. Did they test the reflexes in the legs? Increased? Any numbness? Stand with your arms in front of you, and close your eyes. What happens? A difficult little test: Ask your wife to move your big toe up and down (WITHOUT TOUCHING THE SECOND TOE) a few times, ending either up or down. With your eyes closed, are you quite sure whether your toe is up or down? There should be no doubt. Insist on seeing a neurologist. Jump up and down, it's urgent. Just to be sure. Let me know how you get on. If all else fails, start shopping around for a careful and thorough chiropractor in your neighbourhood. http://www.bernard-preston.com/spinal-stenosis-explanation.html Dr B. Click here to read or post comments. |
