Doctor, My Mother Has Difficulty In Walking And She Complaints

Posted on Wed, 10 Apr 2019

Question: Doctor, my mother has difficulty in walking and she complaints of burning sensation and numbness in her feet.her MRI says there is complete sacralization of L5 vertebrae and L3 L4, L4 L5 mild diffuse bulge seen indenting on the disc? what does this mean? does she need to undergo for surgery? because her mobility is reducing gradually. she has fear for surgery.if she need to go for surgery what are the complications of the surgery?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Problems are minor and no surgery is needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and would try my best to help you.

I have noted the symptoms and MRI reports of your mother. First of all, I would like to reassure you that your mother has no serious problem. She does not require surgery.

Sacralization of L5 vertebra does not cause any problem, and it is a normal variation seen in some healthy people.

Disc bulges are mild and it can be treated with medicines and physiotherapy.

In addition, get her vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels also checked.

I sincerely hope my reply has helped you.

I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (21 minutes later)

The only problem is with her mobility , she wants to know the reason for reducing her mobility . In addition to neurological problem she has gyaneological problem .she is 53 and she is still getting her periods with heavy bleeding . She has gone hysteroscopy. She doesnt have any problems of thyroid , diabetes , hypertension. Is it the menopause or neurological problem making to face problem with walking ?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The cause of reduced mobility needs to be found out.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back with more details.

The cause of reduced mobility can be found out with detailed evaluation. It is due to neurological problem, and not due to menopause.

She would need a detailed neurological examination by a neurologist. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D level should be checked.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng