Suggest Treatment For Back Pain, Numbness In Limbs And Painless Spasms

Posted on Wed, 26 Oct 2016

Question: I had deep brain stimulation surgery for generalised dystonia 18 months ago. Prior to my op both feet twisted in but now face the right way but due to progression causing motor control problems I have up to twenty falls a month. A week ago I fell backwards hitting my Cocyx and lower back heavily on concrete and suffered massive bruising. I then fell backwards three days ago onto a concrete step hitting the same area which is now still very badly bruised and tender. However since the fall three days ago within a hour of the fall my right foot went into painless spasm and still is in spasm to the extent I find it virtually impossible to walk on my right leg as when I attempt to walk my right foot twists inwards causing pain in my ankle whilst my floor flexes downwards to the extent Only the tips of my toes touch the floor, my heel is a few inches of the ground.
I was advised to go to A&E where the doctor never examined me at all just stating there is nothing I can do.
Could an injury to my very swollen and bruised back be the cause of the spasm or could such a fall have aggravated my dystonia. I am unable to leave the house even with my rollator walking is difficult now and also despite using my rollator it does not stop me falling backwards at times and I am very reluctant to fall on my Cocyx / lower back when it is already so painful. The only way I can get around safely indoors at the moment is by kneeling upright which worsens my back pain. I don't know whether the spasm may suddenly improve or not and do not know where to seek help. I am due to see my neurologist in five weeks time but do not want to be in this situation until then.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to HCM,

I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Regarding your worry that the injured back is the cause, I would say that it shouldn't be the case. Even if there was a fracture it would compress the peripheral nerves at that level which wouldn't manifest with the spasms which you describe, it would cause bladder control issues and weakness/numbness of the lower limbs.

As to what could be the cause, they do look like an aggravation of your dystonia. I believe you should be checked for a malfunctioning of the device. The battery should be controlled as well, it can start to wear out at 18 months. So you should contact the center where you were treated and followed so that it can get checked before that appointment in 5 weeks.

I hope to have been of help. Please get back to me in case of any further queries.
Regards

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