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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness In The Legs And Chills While Suffering From Peripheral Neuropathy?

i ve had viral meningitis due to enterovirus. then developed peripheral neuropathy. it was so bad after a month i was crying in pain at night. loudly crying. finally went to ER to see neurologist as my gp had not referred me a few days earlier! saw neurologist, nerve conductivity test, ok, on 1500 mg day of gabbapentin. plus amatriptonlyne. pain still there but not as bad. now my legs are going numb and they are freezing while i sit at my desk. walking helps but minute i sit it is back. pain in my knee joints and right elbow. chills like fever, then hot, then cold. i am really scared. o, and mri last week showed no inflamation in my spine.
Tue, 13 Nov 2018
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Neurologist 's  Response
Hello,

Your situation should be evaluated more carefully. You mentioned that you have developed peripheral neuropathy but your nerve conduction studies are OK!

Peripheral neuropathies are diagnosed by performing Nerve Conduction Studies, so I assume that your neurologist has found some clues for a neuropathy but you were at early days, so the Nerve Conduction Studies were still normal.

Although Gabapentin and Amitriptyline that you are getting are good choices to relieve pain, they might need several days up to 3 weeks to show maximum effect.

There is one serious situation that you should be noted:

You mentioned that your legs are going numb. This could be a symptom of a specific type of neuropathy called Acute Indiopathic Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP), formerly known as Guillan Barret Syndrome (GBS).

It is very important that this type of neuropathy is ruled out in your situation because it has specific treatments that should be done by hospitalization.

On the other hand this type of neuropathy can potentially affect heart and respiratory systems and sometimes become dangerous.

Also be noted that at early (even first few weeks) after this problem Nerve Conduction Studies could be normal.

So, my advice to you is going to an experienced neurologist or a hospital which has a neurology ward.

They will examine you, especially your muscle powers and reflexes, most probably repeat the Nerve Conduction Tests (EMG and NCS) and sometimes some blood or other lab tests to rule in or rule out the above mentioned disorder (AIDP).

Please, do not rely on those medications for the pain. They are important but your more important symptoms are numbness and weakness of the limbs.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Hooman Mahmoudi, Neurologist
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What Causes Numbness In The Legs And Chills While Suffering From Peripheral Neuropathy?

Hello, Your situation should be evaluated more carefully. You mentioned that you have developed peripheral neuropathy but your nerve conduction studies are OK! Peripheral neuropathies are diagnosed by performing Nerve Conduction Studies, so I assume that your neurologist has found some clues for a neuropathy but you were at early days, so the Nerve Conduction Studies were still normal. Although Gabapentin and Amitriptyline that you are getting are good choices to relieve pain, they might need several days up to 3 weeks to show maximum effect. There is one serious situation that you should be noted: You mentioned that your legs are going numb. This could be a symptom of a specific type of neuropathy called Acute Indiopathic Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP), formerly known as Guillan Barret Syndrome (GBS). It is very important that this type of neuropathy is ruled out in your situation because it has specific treatments that should be done by hospitalization. On the other hand this type of neuropathy can potentially affect heart and respiratory systems and sometimes become dangerous. Also be noted that at early (even first few weeks) after this problem Nerve Conduction Studies could be normal. So, my advice to you is going to an experienced neurologist or a hospital which has a neurology ward. They will examine you, especially your muscle powers and reflexes, most probably repeat the Nerve Conduction Tests (EMG and NCS) and sometimes some blood or other lab tests to rule in or rule out the above mentioned disorder (AIDP). Please, do not rely on those medications for the pain. They are important but your more important symptoms are numbness and weakness of the limbs. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Hooman Mahmoudi, Neurologist