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What Causes Pain And Numbness In The Legs While On Gabapentin?
Question: Hi, I am having leg pain (both Legs, left worse than right) this includes numbness in both legs. My feet ache and feel cold, but are not cold to the touch. I had an ultrasound recently and have not heard the results on that. I do know they found dimished blood flow in my legs. I have been on gapentin 900mg 2x a day for years. Went to a neurlogist and misunderstood my rx for this. he prescibed 300mg 2x a day. When i switched to this rx, my legs really got bad. I am concerned about what they can do to fix this, what caused it, is the gabapentin masking the problem. and is it life threating..ie such as blood clot or plaque build up. What would be the best type of doctor to see, and if surgery is waranted, what type of surgeon. I have also been, diagnosed, with lupus, fibromalgia, chronic back pain. Thank you XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is true that symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may at times be confused with those of peripheral artery narrowing so your fear is justified. However the description of the symptoms you provide is more indicative of peripheral neuropathy. The fact that you got worse when lowering gabapentin supports that. Also if there was a severe lack of blood flow, an occluded artery, then the foot would feel cold to the touch.
So I would say that the diminished flow shouldn't be critical, at least not threatening your life or the limbs. Of course the results of the ultrasound should still be checked. In inconclusive other tests such as angio scan of the vessels may be done. Even if there are plaques or blood clots you shouldn't panic as treatment with blood thinners is available and as I said shouldn't be that critical to warrant surgery. Anyway to answer the question on which specialist to see, the ones who deal most with peripheral artery disease are vascular surgeons.
I remain as your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is true that symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may at times be confused with those of peripheral artery narrowing so your fear is justified. However the description of the symptoms you provide is more indicative of peripheral neuropathy. The fact that you got worse when lowering gabapentin supports that. Also if there was a severe lack of blood flow, an occluded artery, then the foot would feel cold to the touch.
So I would say that the diminished flow shouldn't be critical, at least not threatening your life or the limbs. Of course the results of the ultrasound should still be checked. In inconclusive other tests such as angio scan of the vessels may be done. Even if there are plaques or blood clots you shouldn't panic as treatment with blood thinners is available and as I said shouldn't be that critical to warrant surgery. Anyway to answer the question on which specialist to see, the ones who deal most with peripheral artery disease are vascular surgeons.
I remain as your disposal for other questions.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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