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What Causes Tingling And Numbness In Back With Upper Limb Weakness?
Question: My 21 year old daughter has been experiencing tingling and numbness in hr back on the left hand side for the last 1.5 years. She has had weakness and difficulty gripping her left hand for the last month and a half. 5 years ago she had a lipoma removed from her back on the left side. She has had a clear xray,has been taking b12 and has elevated thyroid levels but her md is waiting to start thyroid meds for a while
Also have to wait another 3 months to see a neurologist.
How worried should I be?
Also have to wait another 3 months to see a neurologist.
How worried should I be?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
If by worrying you mean a life threatening condition which needs urgent evaluation then I would say no, the evolution doesn't indicate issues like stroke, abscess, not in the absence of other signs at least. The lipoma in the back shouldn't have to do with it as nerves for the upper limb leave from the cervical spine.
On the other hand, conditions which develop slowly, but are still serious and need attention may be responsible for those sensory changes and motor deficit (weakness) of the upper limb. Such conditions include multiple sclerosis, or some slowly growing spinal tumor. A neurological exam is necessary and probably an MRI. 3 months might be an acceptable delay if only that, but I wonder if the neurologist asks for more imaging tests whether their scheduling might nit take a couple of additional months which might be too much waiting.
So some sort of evaluation is needed. If the neurologist visit can't be anticipated then a primary physician should still perform a neurological exam. Might not be as experienced as neurologist, but still can check basic changes in motor strength in other limbs, sensation, reflexes, balance and coordination, which would give some orientation on whether there is more extensive involvement. In that case urgent admission might be necessary, otherwise if no other signs waiting and monitoring till the appointment.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
If by worrying you mean a life threatening condition which needs urgent evaluation then I would say no, the evolution doesn't indicate issues like stroke, abscess, not in the absence of other signs at least. The lipoma in the back shouldn't have to do with it as nerves for the upper limb leave from the cervical spine.
On the other hand, conditions which develop slowly, but are still serious and need attention may be responsible for those sensory changes and motor deficit (weakness) of the upper limb. Such conditions include multiple sclerosis, or some slowly growing spinal tumor. A neurological exam is necessary and probably an MRI. 3 months might be an acceptable delay if only that, but I wonder if the neurologist asks for more imaging tests whether their scheduling might nit take a couple of additional months which might be too much waiting.
So some sort of evaluation is needed. If the neurologist visit can't be anticipated then a primary physician should still perform a neurological exam. Might not be as experienced as neurologist, but still can check basic changes in motor strength in other limbs, sensation, reflexes, balance and coordination, which would give some orientation on whether there is more extensive involvement. In that case urgent admission might be necessary, otherwise if no other signs waiting and monitoring till the appointment.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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