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What Causes Recent Numbness In A Few Fingers And Intermittent Numbness Or Pain In The Feet And Legs When Diagnosed With Peripheral Neuropathy?

Posted on Fri, 4 Oct 2019

Question: My husband has numbness in the feet and going up his legs. He's had back surgery which relieved the back pain,but feet and legs have gotten worse with increased pain in feet. Acupuncture did start to reverse his legs and feet. His balance is terrible making his gait awkward. Last October he had a pinched nerve in his neck that affected his right hand and arm making them weak and index and middle finger numb. He had surgery in December that corrected it, but the numbness recently returned and is affecting his ring finger as well. Also in the past 2 weeks he has had difficulty swallowing. He has heart burn at times and uses cough drops at night quite often. He has been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, but we both feel there is a lot more going on. It seems like any time a nerve gets irritated it doesn't recover the way it should. He is only 52 but says he feels like he's 80.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The cause of the peripheral neuropathy should be found.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

The majority of these symptoms may be explained by the peripheral neuropathy.

Myelomalacia ( or chronic compression of the spinal cord ) could also contribute to such symptoms.

In my opinion, it is necessary to find and treat the cause of the peripheral neuropathy in order to stop the progression of the condition.

Conditions that may cause peripheral neuropathy include diabetes, vitamin B deficiencies, alcohol use, intoxications with chemicals or heavy metals, autoimmune disorders, side effects of some drugs, viral infections, hypothyroidism, etc.

Discuss with your husband's Neurologist about getting evaluated further to find the cause of the peripheral neuropathy.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (7 hours later)

Thank you for reviewing our case. We have been trying to find a cause for the peripheral neuropathy for 5 years. So far he has had MRI's, CT scans, nerve conduction tests and labs checking for diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, MS, and palsy's. He did have hydraulic oil get in his eye at the onset of the balance issues, which no one in the medical field wants to acknowledge its connection. This episode gave him symptoms of a stroke(left side of face and tongue deviated, couldn't walk or standup straight with out help and eye bulging). He was a diesel mechanic for 26 years but now is in an office as a dispatcher. We are both tired of dead ends, no one wanting to pursue anything 'out of the box' and medical bills. The symptoms are becoming more pronounced and making us both very nervous.

I would like suggestions on the specific kinds of doctors we should seek out and the kinds of questions to ask them.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Further examinations are necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

I see that your husband had a number of tests done and nothing resulted in a diagnosis.

But, tests you mentioned, don't evaluate an autoimmune disorder as a possible condition that may cause peripheral neuropathy.

So, I think, getting evaluated with appropriate blood tests about any possible autoimmune disorder is necessary.

Also, evoked potentials ( somatosensory and visual ) may help in understanding better your husband's condition.

To complete the evaluated, spinal tap and cerebrospinal fluid examination for infection and oligoclonal bands may give additional information in order to reach a correct diagnosis.

An experienced Neurologist is the preferred Doctor who can evaluate properly sourced such conditions.

Hope this helps.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad