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Suggest Treatment For Numbness And Weakness In Left Leg

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Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015
Question: I have a bulging disc L5/S1
I have numbness and weakness in my left leg. Since yesterday my leg has started to shake. What should I do?
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nerve conduction studies should be considered.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Judging by your symptoms it is obvious that there is nerve root compression which has been present for some time. Since you had an epidural injection 3 weeks ago I suppose you had symptoms for some more weeks and you've already tried other therapeutic options such as physiotherapy and anti inflammatory pain killers.
In that case in the setting of a nerve compression with a neurologic deficit, without success with conservative treatment, I think you should discuss the option of surgery as the remaining therapeutic step.
However since you describe only a bulging disk, if the doctors have their doubts on whether that bulging disc causes enough nerve compression to justify the symptoms then nerve conduction studies/electromyography test can be done to determine whether there is nerve damage.

I remain at your disposal for further questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Numbness And Weakness In Left Leg

Brief Answer: Nerve conduction studies should be considered. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Judging by your symptoms it is obvious that there is nerve root compression which has been present for some time. Since you had an epidural injection 3 weeks ago I suppose you had symptoms for some more weeks and you've already tried other therapeutic options such as physiotherapy and anti inflammatory pain killers. In that case in the setting of a nerve compression with a neurologic deficit, without success with conservative treatment, I think you should discuss the option of surgery as the remaining therapeutic step. However since you describe only a bulging disk, if the doctors have their doubts on whether that bulging disc causes enough nerve compression to justify the symptoms then nerve conduction studies/electromyography test can be done to determine whether there is nerve damage. I remain at your disposal for further questions