Having Weakness In Leg And Numbness In Foot. Could That Be From Primary Lateral Sclerosis?

Posted on Wed, 18 Jul 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 Answered on

Tue, 7 Aug 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having weakness in my rilght legg and numbness in my toes onmy right foot. Could that be from primary lateral sclerosis?I am also losing mty balancde and almost falling. I was diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis about 4 years ago and I was told there is no cause, no cure, no medicine and that I would go from a cane to a walker to a wheelchair. I have been referred to physical therapy and now use a cane. The numbness in my toes and the weaness in my leg-re they from primary lateral sclerosios or from the spinal stenosis I have? If you need further info, please e-mail me. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Aparna Kohli (1 hour later)

Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
Its possible that your symptoms are due to primary lateral sclerosis. This is a progressive disorder where balance problems tend to develop as the disease progresses.
Its unlikely that these symptoms are due to the spinal stenosis you have. Spinal stenosis would generally cause back pain associated with numbness , weakness and tingling. Also, a much larger portion of the foot would be involved.
Hope this helps
Let me know if you need any further information.
REgards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar