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What Causes Numbness In Toes, Feet And Fingers In An Elderly Woman?

Posted on Fri, 20 May 2016

Question: In last 6 years I have gone from slightly numb toes to absolutely numb feet and fingers. Can no longer drive and using a cane. Otherwise I'm 56 yr old healthy woman. Should my dr. be asked for a neurology referral? Too young to be dysfunctional. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it seems you need a referral i would need some more info.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing.

I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad. I have read your question completely, i understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible.

I would need some info,

1) Do you have any memory issues?
2)Any fits .
3) urinary incontinence?
4) Were your last blood works normal?
5) Do you have any other medical issue kike diabetes?
6) Did you ever got a neurologist checkup?
7) What opinion does your primary has about the issue?
8) Any such family history?
I hope this answered your question, a
if you have more please feel free to ask.

Regrads.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.

M.B.B.S(Licensed Family Physician)

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

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (21 hours later)

In response to the 8 follow up questions, all of the answers were No. My physician seems unaware of how dramatically it has progressed in the last year. I have asked for a neurology referral, never received response. The only thing that runs in my family is stenosis related issues, no diabetes. My bloodwork fine except cholesterol. Should I get a second opinion? My sister, a 20 year respected RN, said at my age I should not be this disabled, ie cane, no drive, no balance-spastic gait, cannot run at all. She said she sees this in patients 20 years older than me, that I need MRI spine/cervical stenosis or God forbid MS. Thank you, XXXXXXX Beard

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (29 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes you need a checkup.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

thanks for writing back.
Withiut any doubts to you need a neurologist referral and a thorough checkup with MRI nerve study vitamin B12 and folate level and complete neuropathy and musculopathy pofile.

Your sister is right your age isnt is too young for such disability plus such rapid deterioration does mean something you should be checked up by a neurologist.

MS or no MS will be detcted on tests.

regards.

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