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Suggest Treatment For Severe Back Pain And Difficulty Walking
Question: had seizure 3 wks ago, immediately had severe back pain, unable to walk or move. 3 weeks later, pain in right middle back moves around unde ribs to lower front. pain is almost unbearable at times. starts getting worse later in the afternoon, unlike any pain every had. bruise very easy, ear infections, nose bleeds, night sweats for several years. so tired, this is so unlike me. cant stop the pain, last dr visit was 2010. not a hypochrandiac, trying to keep going, getting worse. 49 yr old female
Brief Answer:
A fracture should be considered
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The fact that the pain has started after a seizure is a little concerning. Seizures may at times be accompanied by traumatic injury, from falling and hitting oneself, or even from the convulsive activity with intense contracture of the muscles.
So if there is a constant back pain after a seizure the possibility of a fracture of the vertebrae should be considered. For that reason I would talk with your doctor about getting imaging of the spine in that area, at least an X-ray, if a CT scan then even better.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
A fracture should be considered
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The fact that the pain has started after a seizure is a little concerning. Seizures may at times be accompanied by traumatic injury, from falling and hitting oneself, or even from the convulsive activity with intense contracture of the muscles.
So if there is a constant back pain after a seizure the possibility of a fracture of the vertebrae should be considered. For that reason I would talk with your doctor about getting imaging of the spine in that area, at least an X-ray, if a CT scan then even better.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much for your response. I thought that too, Ive hade seizures before, prescribed Depakote. My fiance' helped me wean of it, last seizure was XXXXXXX 2010. This was different, didn't feel the weirdness, the shakiness, I was sitting up in back of vehicle, leaned over, drooling, but did not have a lot of thrashing. Been under tremendous amount of stress lately, My fiancé 8 yr
walked out door Oct 11,2016, dropped dead, massive heart attack at 53. I take care of my 86 yr old Mother, did same for my Dad(passed 6-13). Husband of 24 yrs left me in 2008, sister died overdose Oct 2010. Been tough. The pain tonight was overwhelming...bp was 169/112. I am overlook by family members because I always tend to everyone else, thank you for your help
k
oh, and btw, it was nice to finally have someone listen to me...I have to take care of everyone else, nice to have someone concerned about me. Thank you.
walked out door Oct 11,2016, dropped dead, massive heart attack at 53. I take care of my 86 yr old Mother, did same for my Dad(passed 6-13). Husband of 24 yrs left me in 2008, sister died overdose Oct 2010. Been tough. The pain tonight was overwhelming...bp was 169/112. I am overlook by family members because I always tend to everyone else, thank you for your help
k
oh, and btw, it was nice to finally have someone listen to me...I have to take care of everyone else, nice to have someone concerned about me. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry about your situation, I can only try to imagine how hard it must be for you.
Judging from the description of the seizure hopefully it is not a fracture, but simply a muscle strain. However the recommendation for imaging test remains, such pain persisting over 2 weeks absolutely requires some attention.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry about your situation, I can only try to imagine how hard it must be for you.
Judging from the description of the seizure hopefully it is not a fracture, but simply a muscle strain. However the recommendation for imaging test remains, such pain persisting over 2 weeks absolutely requires some attention.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Again, thank you for your response. I can honestly tell you I have NEVER experienced the pain I am having. Oh, and when I did, came home with two babies and thank God for eperderials. I am uninsured, dependent upon someone as my Tahoe was totaled in the accident when Mark had heart attack. As a Dr, can I ask you honest question? Where I live (deep south Ga), Drs don't prescribe meds, I feel so uncomfortable and think whats the purpose? No ins, can I get a ct scan or mri? I weigh about 110, my stomach is so swollen, hard, hurts. could it possibly be kidneys?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Kidney pain is something which often has to be distinguished by back issues, so yes it is a possibility. The reason why I swayed more in the direction of a vertebral issue was the lack of fever or urination changes as well as the fact that the pain started immediately after a seizure. However patients are not textbook like there are exceptions and it is not always easy to differentiate.
As to whether there would be any significant gain from you spending loads of money for imaging....you put me in a tough spot with that question, if it was a fracture it might actually be the case that you will only be prescribed rest and Advil and wait for it to heal, that is true. Or if a kidney issue it might be expelled by itself.
I still would feel more comfortable if you had some type of evaluation though, I told you what I thought was the most likely possibility but there is always the fear of some less common cause which may turn out on imaging or some sign noticed on physical exam which may shift the attention towards another diagnosis. Since it is 3 weeks and no improvement, the pain remains as intense as you describe it you should do something about it.
I exercise in Europe so hard to give advice when it comes to insurance and cost issues in the US. From what I know prices are much higher there. But perhaps at least a visit in the ER, a cheap x-ray and a urine analysis may be done with reasonable expense. Not sure how it works there but evaluation and such basic tests are free in the ER where I live.
I hope work out for the best.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Kidney pain is something which often has to be distinguished by back issues, so yes it is a possibility. The reason why I swayed more in the direction of a vertebral issue was the lack of fever or urination changes as well as the fact that the pain started immediately after a seizure. However patients are not textbook like there are exceptions and it is not always easy to differentiate.
As to whether there would be any significant gain from you spending loads of money for imaging....you put me in a tough spot with that question, if it was a fracture it might actually be the case that you will only be prescribed rest and Advil and wait for it to heal, that is true. Or if a kidney issue it might be expelled by itself.
I still would feel more comfortable if you had some type of evaluation though, I told you what I thought was the most likely possibility but there is always the fear of some less common cause which may turn out on imaging or some sign noticed on physical exam which may shift the attention towards another diagnosis. Since it is 3 weeks and no improvement, the pain remains as intense as you describe it you should do something about it.
I exercise in Europe so hard to give advice when it comes to insurance and cost issues in the US. From what I know prices are much higher there. But perhaps at least a visit in the ER, a cheap x-ray and a urine analysis may be done with reasonable expense. Not sure how it works there but evaluation and such basic tests are free in the ER where I live.
I hope work out for the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much, I agree, pain still intense. I appreciate your responses, you seem like a very kind doctor, one that listens to his patients. I have already decided I am going to ER tomorrow, I pray to see a Dr like you, one that will take me seriously. Again, thank you so much. Oh, btw, I kinda thought about kidney stones too, kept eye on that hoping it would pass...But, apparently I think your original answer may be the problem. Bite the bullet and get the CT!!
Brief Answer:
I hope things work out for the best.
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry you've seen no improvements. I hope things work out for the best.
I hope things work out for the best.
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry you've seen no improvements. I hope things work out for the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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