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Suffer From Left Foot Drop And Numbness. Taking Prednisone. MRI Showing Bulging Disc And Mild Stenosis. Due To Viral Infection? History Of Shingles

I am 40 years old and female. I have had left foot drop and numbness on top of my foot and and up to part of my leg for 8 days, sudden onset. I was seen by orthopedic doctor on monday and placed on prednisone , 12 day dose. I had xrays and MRI, MRI showed bulging disc at L4 L5, L5 S1 with moderate stenosis, no herniated disc. My doctor suggested it could be a virus that has caused this. Is that possible? I am some better with a little movement and less numbness but still have to high step to walk. I have a history of shingles 3 times since 2009.
Tue, 26 Mar 2013
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hi,



Thank you for posting your query.



Foot drop can be due to disc prolapse at L4-5 level also, if the compression of the nerve there is severe. However, in this case, we expect a sharp, shooting pain from low back to the foot region.



Foot drop can also occur due to involvement of peroneal nerves (located in the leg). This can occur due to a viral infection. So, I would agree with your doctor.



Current treatment is alsong correct lines, with physiotherapy being the most effective. A foot drop splint should also be worn.



Please get back if you require any additional information.



Best wishes,



Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)

Senior Consultant Neurologist

Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad,

My personal URL on this website: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar

My email: drsudhirkumar@yahoo.com
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Suffer From Left Foot Drop And Numbness. Taking Prednisone. MRI Showing Bulging Disc And Mild Stenosis. Due To Viral Infection? History Of Shingles

Hi, Thank you for posting your query. Foot drop can be due to disc prolapse at L4-5 level also, if the compression of the nerve there is severe. However, in this case, we expect a sharp, shooting pain from low back to the foot region. Foot drop can also occur due to involvement of peroneal nerves (located in the leg). This can occur due to a viral infection. So, I would agree with your doctor. Current treatment is alsong correct lines, with physiotherapy being the most effective. A foot drop splint should also be worn. Please get back if you require any additional information. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) Senior Consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, My personal URL on this website: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My email: drsudhirkumar@yahoo.com