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What Causes A Vibrating Feeling In Legs And Feet?
Question: What causes a vibrating feeling in legs and feet
Brief Answer:
called peripheral neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are different parts of the nervous system,(1) the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord)
(2) peripheral nervous system - the nerves in the rest of the body, these nerves start out at the spinal cord or brain and branch out
Abnormal sensations in the legs and feet (such as vibration sensation) would be called peripheral neuropathy because it is related to the peripheral nerves.
There are different possible cause of peripheral neuropathy such as: (1) diabetes
(2)vitamin deficiency particularly the b vitamins and vitamin e
(3)thyroid disease
(4)liver or kidney disease
(5)trauma to the nerves in this area
(6)excess alcohol use
(7)exposure to toxins
(8)autoimmune diseases
(9)multiple sclerosis
Your doctor can examine your legs and feet and determine which nerves are likely affected.
Your medical history and investigations would determine the likely cause.
If it related to vitamin deficiency then the use of a vitamin with the b vitamins and vitamin e would help.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Been having a lot of issues back pain leg pain fatigue went to Neuro test came back normal had Mri normal brain scans and cervical and thoracic have some disc bulges in low back on and off for a few yrs the symptoms but pass three months the back pain is constant now i feel vibrating in legs can this be multiple sclerosis
I had 4 brain Mir for ms and a cervical and thoracic mri for ms a yr ago should I get tested again for ms or not thanja
Brief Answer:
most mri would show abnormalities
Detailed Answer:
HI
Multiple sclerosis would normally be detected by MRI in more than 90% of persons with the disease, only a small percentage would have a normal result even though the disease is present.
This means the normal MRI makes it less likely that your symptoms are related to MS.
The disc bulges in the lower back however may be compressing nerves in the back which would cause abnormal sensations.
There are quite a few medications that can help.
Please feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My back pain doesn't not go away 3 months of constant pain
Brief Answer:
it can be constant and severe
Detailed Answer:
HI
Back pain can be very debilitating especially if it is severe. Bulging of the discs does not normally repair itself and it is treated mainly with physiotherapy and pain medication.
The pain can be constant as you have described.
In very severe cases , where there is no response to medication and therapy, surgery is considered.
You may want to consult a pain management specialist.
Feel free to ask anything else if there are any other concerns
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Went to Neuro he states that I shouldn't have such pain due to the disc bulges or other symptoms as I stated vibrating pins and needless sometimes numbness I feel list don't know what I can be
Brief Answer:
in some , unfortunately the cause is not known
Detailed Answer:
hi
If the bulges were not significant to compress the nerves then it would not cause your symptoms.
Assuming that blood tests were done to rule out any of the other possible causes mentioned such as vitamin def, liver or kidney disease, diabetes,autoimmune disease, thyroid disease.
There are conditions that may not necessarily be detected by blood tests such as exposure to toxins, damage to blood vessels supply the nerves (vasculitis).
In some persons , despite in depth investigations, the exact cause is not found.
The medications used are similar no matter the cause. There are specific medications that treat this type of pain.
Hope this helps
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have had all blood test emg test what autoimmune disease can cause the pain you say ms is not what in your opinion can it be
Also can disc bulges get bad
Brief Answer:
the bulges can cause nerve compresssion
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, bulging of the intervertebral discs ( the discs that lie between 2 vertebra) can be severe in some persons. If it is severe it can compress surrounding nerves coming from the spinal cord but you indicated that your neurologist ,on looking at your imaging results , did not think that it was affecting the nerves at this point.
I had mentioned that MRI can detect MS in 90% of cases, there are a minority of persons with MS where the MRI does not pick up it up initially. If your symptoms persist continuing over the next few months, your doctor may consider repeating it.
Autoimmune diseases such as SLE, RA, sjogren's syndrome can lead to peripheral neuropathy in some people as well as inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis or coeliac disease.
It is also important to reminder that, as mentioned earlier, exposure to some toxins such as insecticides can cause peripheral nerve damage
I did not wish to mention earlier , because it is very rare, but some cancers can also cause peripheral neuropathy. Examples are myeloma, lung cancer, lymphomas.These would have caused changes on blood tests such as the full blood count. If normal , then none of these is likely present.
IN some persons, even after investigations and physical examination, the cause is not found. This is called idiopathic peripheral neuropathy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have had 4 brain mri in the last 5 yrs for ms and its negative just had one of cervical and thoracic as you said it ms would not show up initially but after 8 yrs of symptoms wouldn't lesions be on brain or spinal cord already in your opinion what is the likelihood it is ms I just feel my Dr doesn't take me serious he says it can be fibromyalgia or he says psychological can you give me your opinion if I was your pt what can it be also what test am I missing thank you
Brief Answer:
a number of different tests
Detailed Answer:
HI
If you've had more than 1 MRI, then definitely it should have picked up any signs of MS if it was present. The absence of any lesions on more than 1 scan, means that this is not the cause of your symptoms.
It would have shown on one of the 4 MRIs done.
You mentioned that you had all the blood test mentioned ( liver and kidney tests, inflammatory markers such as ESR looking for inflammatory conditions, thyroid function tests, screening for diabetes, vitamin b12 and folate levels, protein electrophoresis to check for multiple myeloma, full blood count, blood tests for autoimmune diseases). Examination of your cerebrospinal fluid may also have been done via a spinal tap.
(2)EMG ( to differentiate between nerve and muscle disease).
These tests, in addition to the MRI are the tests that are normally done. Nerve biopsy can sometimes be done but this is invasive and can cause nerve damage itself.
If all of these investigations have not shown any abnormalities, then it would rule out any of these as the cause. In that case, you may have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy or it can be related to fibromyalgia as suggested
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
No spinal fluid Dr doesn't think it's necessary blood work all done normal.where are ms lesions normally found in brain or spinal cord also does my symptoms sound like ms Dr says it doesn't I would appreciate your opinion
Sorry to ask so much questions my transferrin saturation was 14% which is a little low can that cause my symptoms Dr never mentioned thus got a copy of notebooks work iron total was 58 TIBC 422 vitamin b 414 folate 6.2 and Lyme 0.43
Also found mri on lumbar it states mild degenerative changes .disc bulge with mild mass effect upon thecal sac and bilateral foraminal narrowing also l4-l5 bilateral disc protrusions and annular tear left aspect disc what symptoms can these results cause thank you in advance
Brief Answer:
extremely unlikely ms
Detailed Answer:
HI
MS lesion are found in both areas, the spine and the brain. The criteria for diagnosis actually requires lesions in different aspects of the nervous systems.
It does not sound like MS since no lesions where found in any areas in any of the your MRI scans.
Transferrin saturation is used mainly to detect anemia though the levels can be abnormal in other scenarios as well. Decreased levels are seen in iron def anemia, kidney disease,inflammation and extensive cancer.
The iron levels are a little low as well.
Anemia on its own would not cause your symptoms.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your response I also added lumbar mri results so you can see if they would cause my symptoms
Brief Answer:
ok
Detailed Answer:
Hi
The results are not attached , if you have difficulty attaching them a customer agent would be able to guide you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Have the results can't attach but it states mild degenerative changes.disc bulge with mild mass effect upon the cal sac and bilateral foraminal narrowing also L4-L5 bilateral disc protrusions and annular tear left aspect disc
Brief Answer:
changes could contribute towards symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The intervertebral discs are made up of 2 made areas, the outer ring called the annulus fibrosus and the inner part called the nucleus pulposus.
If the discs degenerate and weaken, they can bulge out of their normal opening into the adjacent spaces.In your report the annulus (the outer part) is torn and this would allow the nucleus to bulge.
If the bulge is significant it can compress nerves in the area.
In your results it states that the there is only mild compression of the cal sac (also known as the thecal sac- surrounds the spinal cord).
It also states that there is narrowing of the foraminal openings- the foramen are openings through which some of the spinal nerves pass
Degeneration of the vertebra can also occur.
Even though your changes are mild, they would contribute towards your symptoms. You may want to consider having your results reviewed by another neurologist to see if he or she agrees with your doctor's assessment
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Can anxiety cause burning sensations in legs and feet. Also does ms affect both extremities at the same time
Brief Answer:
If the lesion in MS is in a central area
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes MS can both extremities to experience symptoms but it is very important to remember that signs of MS would have likely shown up on at least one of your MRI scans.
In terms of anxiety, yes, it can also cause a myriad of symptoms.In addition to causing different symptoms, it can also sometimes worsen or increase the sensitivity to a problem.Some persons have chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea and also neurological symptoms.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Also is burning sensation in legs what causes that that's something else I have been experiencing aside from low back pain pins and needles vibrating and pain in kegs
I have been experiencing these symptoms for 6 yrs what is the likelihood I will develop ms if test are negative also what else mimics these symptoms I have
Brief Answer:
altered sensation
Detailed Answer:
HI
The nerves are responsible for all types of sensations and any issues with related to them can cause different sensations. This would include the vibration sensation you mentioned earlier and the burning sensation.
Some persons may also experience tingling, stinging, numbness, pricking. Any derangement of sensation can occur.
The fact that you've had 4 MRIs which did not show any evidence of MS means it is highly unlikely that it is present at this moment. You do not have MS now according to your results. As to your future, what will happen in the months or years to come, unfortunately I cannot say. I wish I could for your sake, but all I can say is that you do not currently have MS.
As to the other possible causes of your neurological symptoms, the conditions I mentioned previously (liver or kidney disease, chemotherapy, thyroid disease, anxiety, exposure to toxins, vitamin deficiency, alcohol use, trauma, vasculitis, autoimmune disease, idiopathic)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your answers if I have any other questions I will write scheduled a appt with another neurologist for a second opinion also how can dr determine if it's fibromyalgia if he didn't press or touch any tenders points or really evaluated what test ate there for fibro
I'm sorry another question does ms cause rashes I suffer from eczema but now I feel itchy all over is the normal I feel like I'm losing my mind not knowing what I have
Brief Answer:
MS is a neurological disease
Detailed Answer:
HI
NO ,MS is not associated with skin rashes, it causes neurological symptoms.
In terms of fibromyalgia diagnosis- a persons needs to have wide spread pain in all 4 quandrants of the body for at least 3mth and at least 11 of the 18 tender points.
It would be difficult not knowing what is causing your symptoms but I agree that you should seek a second opinion from another neurologist.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What is considered pain in 4 quadrants
Brief Answer:
body divided into 4 areas
Detailed Answer:
HI
This means assessing pain in 4 quadrants of the body.
The doctors that assess for this condition divide the body as follows:
(1)right side- above the waist
(2)left side-above the waist
(3)right side -below the waist
(4)left side- below the waist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Notice today when I get in warm bath feel a tingling sensation in my toes I know you stated it's not ms but was reading an article stating this is a symptom or something else
Brief Answer:
can occur in any peripheral disease
Detailed Answer:
Hi
The nerves in the body are responsible for sensation or the ability to experience different physical feelings (related to touch). Any condition that affects any nerve in the body can result in abnormal sensations.
Disordered sensation can result from abnormal functions or abnormal structure of the nerves. It can cause tingling, sticking sensation, burning, tickling, pricking sensation, increased pain awareness or increased pain, numbness, cold sensation, increased warmth, vibrations, essentially any abnormal or any distortion of sensation can occur.
MS is one , only one of the conditions that can potentially affect the nerves in the body.
Any condition , not restricted to MS, that affects nerve function can cause abnormal sensation.
So yes, tingling, increased warmth, burning sensations, vibrations can also occur in MS but they can also occur in any condition that affects the nerves.
These would include the conditions mentioned earlier.It is the same nerves that are being affected in any neurological condition that affects the peripheral nerves.
I understand that you are very very worried about the possibility of MS, but so far your scans have ruled it out.If you wish to see another neurologist and have another scan to ease your fears you can do this but so far , according to the scans thus far , from what you have reported, there is no indication of ms
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
In your opinion how often should I do mri rescan to diagnose for ms
Brief Answer:
depends on symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Normal brain MRI is present in only 5% of persons with MS. Most, if not all of these persons have MS lesions present in the spine MRI.
Complete normality of these investigations normally effectively rules out MS.
In MS, the diagnosis is also made on a history of different types of symptoms occurring at different points in time. Different types means symptom affecting a different part of the nervous system, not just one particular aspect such as the lower limbs.
The need for repeat varies from one person to the next but since you've had 4 previous normal results your doctor will likely suggest that it would only be repeated if you develop a different type of symptom for example difficulty seeing.
In the absence of any additional alarming symptoms, another MRI is not needed but for your peace of mind, you may want to ask your doctor
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Can anxiety cause burning sensation in bidy
Brief Answer:
yes
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Anxiety can cause a wide range of symptoms or increase a person's sensitivity to particular symptoms.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have the constant need to move legs I don't know if it's anxiety or nervousness I have pain so confused
Brief Answer:
hi
Detailed Answer:
HI
It is understandable to feel confused when facing pain or abnormal sensations.
As mentioned previously there are a number of conditions that can contribute to abnormal sensations. If you are now also feeling the inclination to move your legs then restless leg syndrome would also have to be added to that list.
Diagnosis of any medical condition requires not just the history of the symptoms that are occurring but physical examination by the doctor and appropriate investigations.
The investigations would be affected by the results of the physical examination.
You may want to consider visiting another neurologist for physical assessment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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