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What Causes Severe Left-sided Lower Back Pain And Tingling In Left Foot?
Question: For the last 8 weeks or so, as I'm falling asleep I occasionally feel my left foot jerk- it lasts less than a second. Sometimes just once, or if I get anxious multiple times as I become extremely anxious waiting for it to happen. A couple of times it has also happened when I'm sitting up in the evening watching tv, but 98-99% of the time it takes place as I'm lying down before i fall asleep.
I assume this is probably a harmless myoclonic or hypnic jerk, but given that it has occurred 2 or 3 times over the last 2 months, while I seem fully awake, I wanted assurance that it is probably harmless.
I have no balance problem, vision problem, leg weakness, headaches, focal or dexterity issues.
I have had however, for many years lower back issues that can become severely painful at times - severe pain in my lower left back and modest pain in my left buttock.No real leg pain to speak of, but some tingling at times down my left leg.
My questions - could the foot jerk be related to my back issue, and or does the symptom seem concerning to you, or rather some sort of harmless hypnic or myoclonus.
Clonazepam (1mg) before I go to sleep seems to significantly help.
Obviously, I am prone to significant anxiety over my health - always have been.
Thanks very much.
XXXX
I assume this is probably a harmless myoclonic or hypnic jerk, but given that it has occurred 2 or 3 times over the last 2 months, while I seem fully awake, I wanted assurance that it is probably harmless.
I have no balance problem, vision problem, leg weakness, headaches, focal or dexterity issues.
I have had however, for many years lower back issues that can become severely painful at times - severe pain in my lower left back and modest pain in my left buttock.No real leg pain to speak of, but some tingling at times down my left leg.
My questions - could the foot jerk be related to my back issue, and or does the symptom seem concerning to you, or rather some sort of harmless hypnic or myoclonus.
Clonazepam (1mg) before I go to sleep seems to significantly help.
Obviously, I am prone to significant anxiety over my health - always have been.
Thanks very much.
XXXX
Brief Answer:
No reason to worry at this time.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Hypnic jerk usually happens during the first phases of sleep, or as one is falling asleep.
Isolated events when awake, are related mostly to stress, caffeine use, mental activity overloaded, fatigue etc.
Since there are no other symptoms, neither the jerks are preceded by leg pain, there seems to be no relation to neurologic conditions such back issues.
An additional factor in favor to mental overload cause is the absence of jerks after Clonazepam use.
Only seldom isolated foot jerks don't seem concerning to me at this time.
I don't think you should do anything about it, besides relaxing and taking it easy.
In case of new symptoms such worsening of back and leg pain, increased frequency of jerks, you should be examined medically by your primary care Doctor.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
No reason to worry at this time.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Hypnic jerk usually happens during the first phases of sleep, or as one is falling asleep.
Isolated events when awake, are related mostly to stress, caffeine use, mental activity overloaded, fatigue etc.
Since there are no other symptoms, neither the jerks are preceded by leg pain, there seems to be no relation to neurologic conditions such back issues.
An additional factor in favor to mental overload cause is the absence of jerks after Clonazepam use.
Only seldom isolated foot jerks don't seem concerning to me at this time.
I don't think you should do anything about it, besides relaxing and taking it easy.
In case of new symptoms such worsening of back and leg pain, increased frequency of jerks, you should be examined medically by your primary care Doctor.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you Doctor.
Given my hypochondria, Can I assume at this point you would pretty much rule out something real serious like brain tumor?
Thanks again.
XXXX
Given my hypochondria, Can I assume at this point you would pretty much rule out something real serious like brain tumor?
Thanks again.
XXXX
Brief Answer:
No reason to worry about brain tumor.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX
I don't see any reason to be concerned about any brain tumor, at this moment.
So, again, just take it easy.
Greetings.
No reason to worry about brain tumor.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX
I don't see any reason to be concerned about any brain tumor, at this moment.
So, again, just take it easy.
Greetings.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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