Pins and needles

I have and am still experiencing numbing, through pins and needles, in my arms and legs. This sensation started 5weeks ago and whilst it isn't constant my symptoms have not changed too much.

I am now experiencing a very weak left arm sensation (even though it isn't actually weak). I have consulted my dr and have had full blood, electro lite, neck X-ray, lung X-ray, spine MRI (not head) and diabetes check. My dr has now advised that she doesn't know what it is and I should forget about it!! I do have a slipped disk in my lower lumber but have been assured that this wouldnt cause arm sensation. What do I do now!!?? Any advice would be gratefully received.

Sam.
Hello Sam,
Your doctor has followed a sensible course of action, looking for the major things. With these symptoms being in arms and legs, we would be thinking of something 'central' rather than local. In other words a slipped disc in the lower back wouldn't cause it. I agree.

Presumably the spine (including neck?) MRI would have ruled out spinal stenosis in the neck which can cause leg symptoms. How old are you?

Is this a numb 'feeling' or is it objective. Try pricking yourself with a pin, comparing left and right, lightly stroking yourself.

That numb feeling in your left arm. Do some press-ups - does the triceps tire quickly? Open bottles, wring out a towel, holding a pen, scissors. Any real weakness in the arm, or again, just a subjective 'feeling'.

I would presume your doctor checked the reflexes, and they were normal. If increased, there is reason for concern.

Thereafter I'd be thinking of conditions like an Arnold Chiari malformation, where part of the brain descends into the foramen magnum, very uncommon, causing bizarre symptoms in arms and legs. And a brain MRI. It's certainly 'central', meaning brain and spinal cord.

For the time being, I'd take your doctor's advice, relax, and get on with life. Try not to be neurotic about it, but do be on the lookout for other neurological symptoms. Headache, numbness in the face, walking oddly, poor coordination, stutter of speech and swallowing, difficulty doing buttons.

Ask your spouse to carefully lift your big toe up and down, and then stop up or down without brushing the second toe. Can you tell, with your eyes closed whether the toe is up or down?

Can you stand on your heel, toes, squat on one leg. Weakness. Gait quite normal?

If your spouse puts something, say a paperclip, pen, key in your hand with eyes closed, do you know what it is?

Relax for a bit, watching out for these sorts of things. If it progresses, definitely ask for a consult with a neurologist.

At this stage, I don't think yours is a case for a chiropractor, until a diagnosis has been established. Thereafter, it's odd but chiropractic does help the most unusual conditions.

One last thought: nerves are coated in a fatty "myelin sheath". Make sure you are not eating any hydrgenated foods (most margarines, chips for example). The trans isomer is known to be very toxic to nerves. And absolutely avoid the high carbohydrate / low fat diets - they are associated with nasty neurological diseases. Get plenty of fat from fatty fish, olive and avocado.

Good luck, keep in touch, and let us know of developments.