What Causes Walking Problem?

Posted on Sun, 27 Apr 2014

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

Sun, 27 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 19 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : i have a walking problem. my doctors pin it on a cardioperditis, which i had in1989 and they have conjectured from a silent stroke. their theory goes that when my body is under minor stress my left side starts going through paralysis behavior. my question is could i have causes entirely for phychological reasons for the coming on of the paralysis.

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Conversion disorder

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Thanks for the query. There is a psychologic/psychiatric entity called conversion somatization disorder, in which there is a neurologic deficit, including transient paralysis, without any organic reason found. If you have had an extensive, through negative workup for organic causes, you may want to explore this diagnostic possibility with a Psychiatrist.

Hope that helps, wish you the best,

Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
Department of Medicine
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases

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