Hi there,
12 years in chair, T8 complete. About 9 weeks ago I started getting much increased tone in right leg. Now I can't properly extend it. Have seen two physios, who both say it's neurological rather than musculoskeletal. Saw neurosurgeon yesterday who was "baffled". Possible causes are use of Ferticare vibrator and/or using standing frame after long period of not. Have been prescribed Baclofen to reduce the symptoms, but no real progress in finding cause.
Has anyone else had this specific problem? If so, what (if anything) eased the problem? Did you find a cause?
Thanks in anticipation
R.
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New Assymetrical Spasm
Started by
Ralph C
, Jan 07 2010 04:15 PM
4 replies to this topic
Top#2 *Tortfeasors*
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Posted 07 January 2010 - 05:18 PM
Ralph C, on Jan 7 2010, 11:15 AM, said:
Hi there,
12 years in chair, T8 complete. About 9 weeks ago I started getting much increased tone in right leg. Now I can't properly extend it. Have seen two physios, who both say it's neurological rather than musculoskeletal. Saw neurosurgeon yesterday who was "baffled". Possible causes are use of Ferticare vibrator and/or using standing frame after long period of not. Have been prescribed Baclofen to reduce the symptoms, but no real progress in finding cause.
Has anyone else had this specific problem? If so, what (if anything) eased the problem? Did you find a cause?
Thanks in anticipation
R.
12 years in chair, T8 complete. About 9 weeks ago I started getting much increased tone in right leg. Now I can't properly extend it. Have seen two physios, who both say it's neurological rather than musculoskeletal. Saw neurosurgeon yesterday who was "baffled". Possible causes are use of Ferticare vibrator and/or using standing frame after long period of not. Have been prescribed Baclofen to reduce the symptoms, but no real progress in finding cause.
Has anyone else had this specific problem? If so, what (if anything) eased the problem? Did you find a cause?
Thanks in anticipation
R.
I get asymmetrical spasm because I have compression of nerve roots on one side of the body, both cervical (the root extending from right side of the the spinal cord through the spinous processes)
and lumbar (below the part of the spinal cord separates into the cauda equina branches).
I'm not sure how EMG studies will work on someone with complete spinal cord lesion, but it's worth an inquiry. If not an EMG, then MRI should show disc bulges and bone spurs and whatnot that would be causing the compression and pinpoint the spot, then you could potentially get some localized treatment to relieve what's ultimately causing your spasm.
#4 *Tortfeasors*
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Posted 08 January 2010 - 12:15 AM
Ralph C, on Jan 7 2010, 01:08 PM, said:
Thanks for the reply tortfeasors, I've had a recent MRI and apparently there's no sign of change :-(
Well, I didn't want to get into all this in my first note, but my EMG studies map to nerve damage in spots where nothing is showing on the MRI. Some of the nerves map to areas of disc bulges, but other damaged nerves don't, so they just attribute this to the "arthritis" that I have throughout the area. I notice major differences depending on positioning. What's happening with you might not get captured when you are laying flat in the MRI tube; maybe what's compressing your nerves is a mechanical issue present when your hips are bent (sitting).
Last thing you may want to check -- brain scans to show if you have any damage to or lesions on the opposite side of the brain from where your spasm symptoms are.
Other than that, all I can say is be vigilant, and don't let the doctors dismiss you. Demand that they keep looking until they discover what the problem is (clots impeding flow to nerves in your legs, whatever... keep testing until they find it). I've been trampled and misdiagnosed and improperly treated, my spine problems have worsened as a result. It's really hard to keep advocating for yourself, but unfortunately that's the only way to get the proper treatment. Nowadays, I always bring an articulate friend for moral support -- and they have the green light to chime in when I need verbal support! You'd be amazed how differently the doctors treat you when you have someone helping advocate for you.
#5
Tetracyclone
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Posted 08 January 2010 - 01:45 AM
Ms. Litidg,
i second your point about bringing an advocate along. There is something a little too tense in the Dr./patient relationship and Doctors just light up when there is a third party along to witness and essentially repeat what the patient has said.
It works wonders.
Pat
i second your point about bringing an advocate along. There is something a little too tense in the Dr./patient relationship and Doctors just light up when there is a third party along to witness and essentially repeat what the patient has said.
It works wonders.
Pat
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