Ask a Neurologist
31.12.2008 - What is it then?
- Question:
Hi. My husband began experiencing numbness in his hands and fingers that lasted for about 6 weeks, went away and then two weeks later was numb and "tingly" from the waist down. His feet and toes were the worst. He said they felt like he’d been in the snow all day long...
We first had blood test ran (negative for Lyme). Then sent to neurologist. Had brain and neck MRI. No lesions on brain scan but two lesions on cervical spinal cord.
Home health came out and gave three days Solumedrol (sp?). Tingling and numbness went away.
Optical nerve test was fine.
LP negative for MS.
What else could it be?/
Numbness in fingers and toes is returing sporadically.
- Reply:
-
Most probably you have had a viral transverse myelitis. Which is a one phase disease. It is mostly self-limiting, and the returning tingling in the same location is just a residual symptom.
The negative CSF does not fully exclude that later MS can develop, so in the less likely case any other symptom occurs, your husband should go to see his Neurologist for a new work-up including MRI.
- Consultant:
- Dr E.A.C.M. Sanders