Question: I have a further medical query of a neurological nature for which I'd appreciate an answer: I have previously asked your doctors about having a few involuntary & very pronounced arm and leg movements, where the arm literally waves about in front of me and feels heavy numb. The leg is more restained taking my weight othewise feels the same.They both feel weak during this the short time of seconds or a minute it lasts for and is then quite normal. It has happened 3 times, once 18 months ago and twice in the last two weeks. I have other very occasional numb feelings of the left limbs and a feeling of heavyness in the feet attributed the condition of Spondylitis all again of short duration My fingers are also affected after using the keyboard for some time. I juunderstand that people who have taken drugs for nervous disorders over a long time can have certain similar occurances. I have taken the drug Tufnal for very many years and more recent years Imipramine. I was diagnosed with anxiety neurosis over 50 years ago.I have only been on 25mg daily most of that time after the initial months treatment.I have no weakness in my limbs after, and in fact play badminton every week also do all my own jobs and gardening, I do think sometimes dwelling on it causes some of the bouts to occur .

As the frequency of the lifelessness, numbness, heaviness, excessive involuntary movement and difficulty in keeping upright become (all this involving the left arm and leg) more frequent and longer in the effect time I thought one of your neurologists might have some idea as to what I can expect whilst waiting far too long for an appointment as is the case. I am particularly concerned as at 85 I live on my own with no one I can easily contact should it be necessary. You will have my previous details regarding this problem in which I mentioned that I was diagnosed with spondalities in two areas of my back from 30 years ago, although this might be a different cause. Incidentally. I mentioned that I have been troubled with severe tingling to fingers of both hands, most nights, for 3 years and mostly bad at night when lying down. This prevents me from getting enough sleep, which causes restless leg syndrome .Many thanks Ivan XXXXXXX PS. The arm and leg occurrences first took place as a one off some 16 months ago. Several have occured in 3 weeks, with less time inbetween.

Many thanks for your comments: Whilst I wait some weeks to see a neurologist do i have any need to worry having further more serious and prolonged attacks, or is it impossible to determine.Or are they more likely to carry on with similar spasmodic short lived attacks but of only slightly lengthier durations, You mention taking low dose of anti-anxiety drugs from my doctor,but aren't the 25 mg imipramine I still take each day the same. Thanks again. Ivan XXXXXXX PS I felt what I think was the start of one in my leg a short time ago.As a result I moved my foor literally stamping on the floor and then exercised with vigour for some time. So far no (30minutes later) further progression has taken place but some slight sensation still remains.

Thanks doctor for your reply:I do not know what ER stands for in you last reply.Please inform. Why would i visit here for 'severity of treatment assessment and treatment' when I have yet to seen a neurologist. isn't it up to him to make a prognosis first. I originally contacted Health Magic due to my own GP not being very helpful. he put foreward the possibility of restless leg syndrone which I do have from time to time if I am not sleeping and become extra tired, but I know it's not the problem regarding the left arm and leg conditions. I would have imagined that the symptoms I have described along with the involuntary and quite drastic movements of the limbs would have narrowed the cause down to a limited number of conditions. Or are there very many causes. Many thanks.
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Thanks again doctor: I have had further symptoms of leg and arm sudden weakness,numbness etc but no involuntary movement so far again, and should point that they always occur with movement after a periods of inactivity such as gettiing out of bed or having been sitting down for some time. Never whilst being active.Tiredness might be a factor not very often sleeping well, but not sure. Does this throw any light on what might be the cause. I have been to my own physician who as made a referrel to a specialist some considerable time in the future but has not suggested any treatment in the meantime as he obviously thinks this is for the consultant neuroligist to determine. Regards Ivan martin.