Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Pain And Weakness In Muscles
Question: I have been having concentration problems, problems understanding speech and formulating words/sentences that I used to do easily before. Also, drawing blanks when thinking, trouble reading, and misspelling words a lot. I get a headache when these symptoms surface. All of this comes and goes and sometimes disappears for days. I have also been having some vision problems and feel muscle weakness.
I went to two different doctors in the past 2-3 weeks (when the symptoms initially started) and was told that it could be stress or anxiety. They both did basic neurological tests like test my eye sight, strength, balance, etc. I asked both doctors if my symptoms signify a XXXXXXX stroke and they both said no. That I am not at risk. My headache got so bad at one point that I had to go to the ER, they did a CAT scan and it came back normal, doctor diagnosed my symptoms as anxiety. I don't agree.
When I visited one of the doctors mentioned above, they did a check up on my thyroid function (previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism) and it came back normal. I was also checked for my vitamin D level and it came back really low. At a level of 9. When the reference range is: 30-100. They recommended I take 2,000 IU a day indefinitely.
Because of gallbladder issues I had to get surgery to remove my gallbladder. I don't know if this is related or contributing to my symptoms but since then my symptoms faded but then came back. Getting what seems like more intense and just worse. Could I have a blood clot? Could this severe Vitamin D deficiency be causing all my symptoms? How much Vitamin D should I take daily to get my level in the normal range?
I would just really appreciate some input. Thank you!
I went to two different doctors in the past 2-3 weeks (when the symptoms initially started) and was told that it could be stress or anxiety. They both did basic neurological tests like test my eye sight, strength, balance, etc. I asked both doctors if my symptoms signify a XXXXXXX stroke and they both said no. That I am not at risk. My headache got so bad at one point that I had to go to the ER, they did a CAT scan and it came back normal, doctor diagnosed my symptoms as anxiety. I don't agree.
When I visited one of the doctors mentioned above, they did a check up on my thyroid function (previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism) and it came back normal. I was also checked for my vitamin D level and it came back really low. At a level of 9. When the reference range is: 30-100. They recommended I take 2,000 IU a day indefinitely.
Because of gallbladder issues I had to get surgery to remove my gallbladder. I don't know if this is related or contributing to my symptoms but since then my symptoms faded but then came back. Getting what seems like more intense and just worse. Could I have a blood clot? Could this severe Vitamin D deficiency be causing all my symptoms? How much Vitamin D should I take daily to get my level in the normal range?
I would just really appreciate some input. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
2 other possibilities.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr MIttal
I think I can help you.
First, this is not a stroke. In stroke, the weakness is one sided. From your query, I feel that the muscle weakness is generalized and not unilateral. And secondly, in stroke, the pain is one sided a well, and very few strokes present like that. Again, from your query, I feel the pain is generalized and in the head basically. And finally, your CT scan was normal. As they commonly say in medical circles- a scan never lies- so there is no stroke, and I think you should relax on that part.
Vitamin D deficiency is a major cause of pain and weakness, and since it is deficient, I feel you should recover that first and then think about other causes.
As for the gall bladder surgery, I feel you must have been on painkillers after surgery. Everyone gets painkillers after surgery and that must have made you feel better.
However, reading the query, I feel there are 2 possible causes that one should also consider.
1. a possibility of myopathy needs to be considered. This is a generalized inflammation of the muscles that causes pain and weakness. The best test to confirm this is CPK, and I suggest you ask your local practitioner for a test of CPK.
2. The other possibility is the Fibromyalgia, but this condition is usually said to be present when other causes are ruled out. In this condition, the main feature is the pain and weakness in muscles due to a constant tense state of the muscles due to the anxious state. Needs anti anxiety drugs and a medicine known as amitryptiline.
I hope that the information helps. I have tried to make it as simple as possible. Feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck
Dr Mittal
2 other possibilities.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr MIttal
I think I can help you.
First, this is not a stroke. In stroke, the weakness is one sided. From your query, I feel that the muscle weakness is generalized and not unilateral. And secondly, in stroke, the pain is one sided a well, and very few strokes present like that. Again, from your query, I feel the pain is generalized and in the head basically. And finally, your CT scan was normal. As they commonly say in medical circles- a scan never lies- so there is no stroke, and I think you should relax on that part.
Vitamin D deficiency is a major cause of pain and weakness, and since it is deficient, I feel you should recover that first and then think about other causes.
As for the gall bladder surgery, I feel you must have been on painkillers after surgery. Everyone gets painkillers after surgery and that must have made you feel better.
However, reading the query, I feel there are 2 possible causes that one should also consider.
1. a possibility of myopathy needs to be considered. This is a generalized inflammation of the muscles that causes pain and weakness. The best test to confirm this is CPK, and I suggest you ask your local practitioner for a test of CPK.
2. The other possibility is the Fibromyalgia, but this condition is usually said to be present when other causes are ruled out. In this condition, the main feature is the pain and weakness in muscles due to a constant tense state of the muscles due to the anxious state. Needs anti anxiety drugs and a medicine known as amitryptiline.
I hope that the information helps. I have tried to make it as simple as possible. Feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I get muscle weakness on one side of the body sometimes. & sometimes its just one arm or one leg.
Brief Answer:
Not stroke
Detailed Answer:
Good to hear form you
Madam, in case of stroke, the symptom is persistent and continuous.
It does not come and go.
You have said yourself that the pain is changing- sometimes in one half of the body, sometimes in one arm , and sometimes in one leg.
And in stroke, the side is always the same for the symptom. It cannot change.
I hope that helps
Please feel free to contact me for more information
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Not stroke
Detailed Answer:
Good to hear form you
Madam, in case of stroke, the symptom is persistent and continuous.
It does not come and go.
You have said yourself that the pain is changing- sometimes in one half of the body, sometimes in one arm , and sometimes in one leg.
And in stroke, the side is always the same for the symptom. It cannot change.
I hope that helps
Please feel free to contact me for more information
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you so much doctor! I appreciate all your information. In case of Fibromyalgia, how can it be diagnosed if I go to my primary care physician? Do you recommend going to a specialist & telling them of my symptoms to be properly diagnosed?
Brief Answer:
Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the response.
Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion.
So you have to rule out all other possible causes before diagnosing it.
And you have vitamin D deficiency.
You may meet a neurologist for a suitable prescription.
I hope that helps.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the response.
Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion.
So you have to rule out all other possible causes before diagnosing it.
And you have vitamin D deficiency.
You may meet a neurologist for a suitable prescription.
I hope that helps.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
