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What Causes Tingling Sensation And Weakness In Left Leg In A Scoliosis Patient?

Posted on Wed, 21 Sep 2016

Question: I have fairly severe scoliosis which will likely require surgery in the next couple of years. I am 69 years old. I recently met with a Neurologist because of tingling and weakness in my left leg. I was referred to the neurologist by my spine specialist. The neurologist, after seeing me this week, referred me to a physician who is a pain specialist. Although I have back pain associated with my scoliosis on a regular basis, I have had this pain for many years and have learned to manage it fairly well over this period of time. My current concern is focused instead on the tingling and weakness in my left leg which I have had for only the past several months. As I think about scheduling an appointment with the pain specialist, I reminded mysef that my focus is not so much on pain (which I have learned to manage quite well) but rather on the tingling and weakness in my left leg which is a fairly new issue. So, my question is....will the pain specialist be able to assist me with the tingling and weakness issues or am I being referred to the wrong specialist? I hope this is clear. Thanks for any insite you can provide. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
A Neurosurgeon will be better Option

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help you.

Q1 :
So, my question is....will the pain specialist be able to assist me with the tingling and weakness issues or am I being referred to the wrong specialist?
A1 :
Because of Scoliosis, the nerves in your spinal cord are affected

When the nerves that carry sensation of pain from periphery to brain are affected, you get pain
When the nerves that carry impulses related to other senses, you get tingling
When the nerves which carry impulse from brain to muscles are affected, you get weakness

In your case, you have got all these three

Hence, I would suggest that you consult a Neurosurgeon who can deal with all your symptoms instead of a Pain Specialist who may be able to deal with one condition

Hope you found the answer helpful.

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.

-oOo-

PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback.

PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (43 minutes later)

I just completed session with a neurologist and it is the neurologist who referred me to the pain specialist. But the issues with my legs and feet are not about pain. They are about tingling and weakness. So, who evaluates and provides some remedies for that? Thank you.
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Neurosurgeon is the best person to evaluate and provide remedy

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam

Welcome Back

Question : I just completed session with a neurologist and it is the neurologist who referred me to the pain specialist. But the issues with my legs and feet are not about pain. They are about tingling and weakness. So, who evaluates and provides some remedies for that? Thank you.

Answer : Neurosurgeon is the best person to evaluate and provide remedy for tingling and weakness due to Scoliosis.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.

-oOo-

PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback.

PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D