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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness In The Arms And Legs With A History Of Spinal Surgery?

In 2008 I had c5 disc removed. Herniated into spinal canal and pushed my spinal cord out the other side. In Dec/14 I had c6 removed, replaced with cage device, same problem as above. This time I was told there was major spinal cord damage and only time would tell what, if any, problems I would face. Twice, over past few months, my right arm has suddenly become a dead weight. No pain, I can move it but is kind of like slow motion. Lasts for approx. 15 to 20 min. Two days ago my right leg suddenly did the same thing as above for about the same amount of time. Last night, my right arm again, tonight, both legs, again same as described above. Any ideas? Is this the type of thing I should expect might happen? Should I be concerned or just let it ride? I am 52 years old Thanks, Mike
Fri, 23 Nov 2018
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hi,

I understand your concern and would explain that your symptoms are not typical of a spinal cord compression, especially considering the fact that you have had decompressive surgery. TIA (transient ischemic attacks) can not be excluded either.

For this reason, I would recommend performing a brain and cervical spine MRI or CT scan, coupled with some other tests:

- A Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries to investigate for possible narrowing
- An ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring in order to investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia
- Blood lipid profile.

You should discuss with his doctor on the above tests.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka,
Cardiologist
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What Causes Numbness In The Arms And Legs With A History Of Spinal Surgery?

Hi, I understand your concern and would explain that your symptoms are not typical of a spinal cord compression, especially considering the fact that you have had decompressive surgery. TIA (transient ischemic attacks) can not be excluded either. For this reason, I would recommend performing a brain and cervical spine MRI or CT scan, coupled with some other tests: - A Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries to investigate for possible narrowing - An ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring in order to investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia - Blood lipid profile. You should discuss with his doctor on the above tests. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist