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Suggest Treatment For Numbness In Between Toes And Sole Of Feet
Question: I have severe neuropathy in both feet that has rendered numbness in-between my toes, and bottom of my feet. I also have severe burning that is so painful it has pretty much stopped my life. On top of that I have planter fasciitis in both feet which is so bad I cannot walk. On top of that I have some kind of "congenital" bumps that itch and burn I can't touch the tops of my feet, my ankles, and heels. I never have had problems with my feet in 65 years! I do not have diabetes, a bit high but not even borderline. In 2011 I contracted shingles which covered my back along my spine and all across my left back area. I am still plagued with breakouts, but now on the left side of my forehead all the way into my hairline! I have seen 5 foot doctors, 3 neurologists, and 2 internal specialists. I have been told by all these doctors they can't help me and do not have any idea what is causing my symptoms. I was an executive chef for 30 years and worked 17 1/2 years in Europe. I came back to the states in 2006. I had a severe brain injury in 2004 caused by 2 holes in my spinal cord caused by an injury to my head. My neurologists say they do not believe this has anything to do with my symptoms. Right now I am on 30mg of morphine a day because it is the only pain medicine I am not allergic to. It also helps with the pain but doesn't make me groggy or seem to affect me like drugs you would get in the hospital. I would love to get off this but I am allergic to most anti-inflammatory drugs on the market. Is there any hope of me finding a doctor who could diagnose the cause and get me back to my life. I have been housebound and have had to stop my life for the past 2 1/2 years. Now I am experiencing numbness on my right forefinger and it is so painful, also numbness and pain in my legs. I am now experiencing numbness in my urethra, and rectum. Please help! I am at my wits end and just can't stand this pain much longer. Thank you so much.
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Brief Answer:
Progressive spinal cord/spinal nerve root compression/degenerative disorder. MRI spine will help in diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I can certainly understand your concerns.
I have worked through your query in detail.
As per your symptoms, the possibility of cauda equina syndrome is very high.
This occurs due to compression of lumosacral spinal nerves.
The underlying cause has to be evaluated. Spinal canal stenosis or osteoarthritis can be responsible.
For confirmation, I advice you to get an MRI scan of the lumbosacral region.
Please check with your neurologist if he shares my point of view and if can prescribe this workup to you.
Further management if any is based on test reports.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Progressive spinal cord/spinal nerve root compression/degenerative disorder. MRI spine will help in diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I can certainly understand your concerns.
I have worked through your query in detail.
As per your symptoms, the possibility of cauda equina syndrome is very high.
This occurs due to compression of lumosacral spinal nerves.
The underlying cause has to be evaluated. Spinal canal stenosis or osteoarthritis can be responsible.
For confirmation, I advice you to get an MRI scan of the lumbosacral region.
Please check with your neurologist if he shares my point of view and if can prescribe this workup to you.
Further management if any is based on test reports.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Dear Dr. Heijebus,
I can't even begin to thank you! We have asked about this for a very long time and have once again, been diverted to "no, we don't think your spine has anything to do with it." Reason we had even considered it is I took a 30 foot fall backwards down a flight of steps after my brain injury which broke my tail bone pretty much in half and sustained a serious concussion. It would not XXXXXXX me in the least you are correct, which we have told every doctor about every injury to my tail bone, and spine since I was 8 years old. In your opinion, what kind of neurologist should I see?
I can't even begin to thank you! We have asked about this for a very long time and have once again, been diverted to "no, we don't think your spine has anything to do with it." Reason we had even considered it is I took a 30 foot fall backwards down a flight of steps after my brain injury which broke my tail bone pretty much in half and sustained a serious concussion. It would not XXXXXXX me in the least you are correct, which we have told every doctor about every injury to my tail bone, and spine since I was 8 years old. In your opinion, what kind of neurologist should I see?
Brief Answer:
Neurosurgeon followed by Orthopedic surgeon
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam
I can certainly understand your concerns.
I apologize for the delayed response owing to my work schedule.
I have worked through your query once again in detail.
CES can present both in acute form or with a protracted course.
CES is a sequel to traumatic spine injury in most cases and it's consideration should never be undervalued, especially in view of neurological and genitourinary symptoms shown by you.
I advise you to report (with an MRI scan latest) To a Neurosurgeon followed by an Orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion.
Please check with your physician if he shares my point of view.
Further management if any is based on test reports.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Neurosurgeon followed by Orthopedic surgeon
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam
I can certainly understand your concerns.
I apologize for the delayed response owing to my work schedule.
I have worked through your query once again in detail.
CES can present both in acute form or with a protracted course.
CES is a sequel to traumatic spine injury in most cases and it's consideration should never be undervalued, especially in view of neurological and genitourinary symptoms shown by you.
I advise you to report (with an MRI scan latest) To a Neurosurgeon followed by an Orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion.
Please check with your physician if he shares my point of view.
Further management if any is based on test reports.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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