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What Causes Numbness In Legs?

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Posted on Mon, 20 Oct 2014
Question: Hi Doctor,
I am writing this on behalf of my father. Recently he has started experiencing numbness in his legs.
In his right leg, he feels numb in the area (from knee to ankle). In his left leg he feels numbness in his thigh area. Earlier we thought its because of Vit B deficiency but Vit B supplement dint show any results.My father has high blood pressure and recently he was diagonosed of high sugar levels but it has come down because of less sugar intake now. Please help with this problem.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Suggestive of peripheral neuropathy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Ms XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted the details of your father. The symptoms are suggestive of peripheral neuropathy- a disease of nerves of legs and hands (in some cases).

Here, the most likely cause could be sugar-related, even though they are under control.

As of now, he can be given gabapentin capsules along with vitamin B12 supplements (even though the B12 level is normal).

If he does not get better, a nerve conduction study of legs can be done to confirm the diagnosis under the guidance of a neurologist.

I hope my reply has helped you.

I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.
     
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (8 hours later)
hello doctor,
Thank you so much for your comment.
Please let me know the timing of this medicine.
Regards, XXXXXXX V
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Details are below.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

I use gabapentin capsules two times per day after food. I usually start at a dose of 100 mg and increase it to 300 mg two times daily, as per the response.

Vitamin B12 supplements can be taken once daily.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (17 hours later)
Hello doctor,
Thank you so much for your prescription.
It worked wonderfully on my father and he feels much relaxed now.
One more question that I have for now is :
For how long should he be taking this medicine?

Regards, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
One month.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

I am glad to know that your father is feeling better now.

He should continue the medications for one month and then review with us/neurologist.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (14 days later)
Hi Doctor,
My father is not keeping well. The sensation,pain and burning sensation in his legs is still there, He is on gapapentin. Its really umcomfortable for him.
He feels uncomfort in both his legs now and extreme heat in his feet. he puts cold cotton stripes on his legs to give him comfort but thats only for sometime,His sugar level is normal too (around 113), He is on Gapapentin plus medicine of Bloodpressure and Diabetes.
Please suggest what is the next step to make him feel relaxed. Please suggest any tests that we should get done.
Regards XXXXXXX V
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please get nerve conduction studies done.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

It is unfortunate that your father is unwell and still has burning and pain.

Please get a nerve conduction studies of legs done.

How much dose of gabapentin is he on?

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)
He is 300 mcg gapapentin. Please suggest the test name once again.
Regards, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Gabapentin dose may be increased.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

The dose of gabapentin may be increased. If I were treating him, I would have increased the dose to 300 mg two times daily.

The test name is nerve conduction study (NCS or NCV), where the nerves are electrically stimulated and their activity is studied on the computer.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 6232 Questions

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What Causes Numbness In Legs?

Brief Answer: Suggestive of peripheral neuropathy. Detailed Answer: Hi Ms XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Thank you for posting your query. I have noted the details of your father. The symptoms are suggestive of peripheral neuropathy- a disease of nerves of legs and hands (in some cases). Here, the most likely cause could be sugar-related, even though they are under control. As of now, he can be given gabapentin capsules along with vitamin B12 supplements (even though the B12 level is normal). If he does not get better, a nerve conduction study of legs can be done to confirm the diagnosis under the guidance of a neurologist. I hope my reply has helped you. I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/