Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Numbness And Tingling Sensation In The Legs?
Question: My wife is suffering numbness and tingling from the waist down, we visited an ER and an MRI revealed nothing wrong with the spine. We are waiting to get in to a neurologist but her only insurance is through the XXXXXXX nation and its a slow process. I am concerned that we need to be doing something now and what can be causing this?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The fact that they performed a MRI and it was normal is reassuring as it means they have excluded spinal cord issues which might have needed urgent intervention. So I can understand the decision to discharge her and continue evaluation as an outpatient. I do not think there is an urgent exam or treatment which is needed, it can safely wait until the scheduled visit (from a medical standpoint that is... I know that you must be worried and can't wait till the day comes).
Of course further evaluation by the neurologist will be necessary. First thing will be to have a detailed neurological physical exam. That way it can be determined if there are indications of a central nervous system issue or a peripheral one. In the first case a brain MRI will probably be required while in the second case electrophysiological studies of the peripheral nervous system will be required, such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography. Depending on the findings, blood or cerebrospinal fluid tests might be necessary later on if the diagnosis is still unclear.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The fact that they performed a MRI and it was normal is reassuring as it means they have excluded spinal cord issues which might have needed urgent intervention. So I can understand the decision to discharge her and continue evaluation as an outpatient. I do not think there is an urgent exam or treatment which is needed, it can safely wait until the scheduled visit (from a medical standpoint that is... I know that you must be worried and can't wait till the day comes).
Of course further evaluation by the neurologist will be necessary. First thing will be to have a detailed neurological physical exam. That way it can be determined if there are indications of a central nervous system issue or a peripheral one. In the first case a brain MRI will probably be required while in the second case electrophysiological studies of the peripheral nervous system will be required, such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography. Depending on the findings, blood or cerebrospinal fluid tests might be necessary later on if the diagnosis is still unclear.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
