What Causes Weakness In Upper And Lower Extremities?

Brief Answer:
suggest consult with neurologist

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for visiting Healthcare Magic. I am concerned that you are experiencing symptoms in both upper and lower extremities. Initially I thought it could be a compressive nerve syndrome- more peripheral. But both extremities suggest something more central- in upper spinal cord or brain. Certainly it is still possible you could have 2 separate peripheral lesions. Also possible is a generalized peripheral neuropathy which for now has only affected the left side. Peripheral neuropathies may be due to a variety of conditions, including diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. It sounds almost as though you are experiencing a delay in the nerve conduction to those muscles, which suggests the possibility of a demyelinating condition such as multiple sclerosis. There are a number of other conditions that can also cause muscle weakness, such as myasthenia gravis, although this tends to be more diffuse. Are you having in changes in sensation as well, or is it all motor function? If the latter, certain lesions in the spinal cord tracts handling motor function might be affected. If you were my patient, I would want to do a complete neurologic exam to assess the degree of impairment, and would consider MRI of brain/spinal cord. Depending on your history and exam, I'd also be considering a blood workup for underlying conditions. Your best bet would be to see a neurologist, the specialist who could do a complete neurologic exam and is very familiar with conditions causing the symptoms you describe. Hope this is helpful. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them. I wish you a speedy recovery.

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Brief Answer:
You can do either

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back

Depending on your insurance, you may have to see your internal medicine doctor first to get a referral to a neurologist. When I said what I would do if I were your doctor, I was speaking as an internal medicine doctor (which I am). Your primary doctor could start the workup described, and then refer you to a neurologist if he or she feels it is recommended. Your doctor may also find something on exam that suggests another problem. It also might be easier to get into your primary doctor much sooner than a neurologist and get the workup started (many neurologists have long waiting lists).

You might want to go ahead and see if you can get an early appt with your neurologist, and if not get the later appt and see your internist now, in the meantime. It sounds like you are friends with an internist, so you may want to ask him or her if you should go directly to the neurologist or would s/he want to see you first. It's always good to have your primary doctor aware of what's going on with your health, as s/he is the one that should be overseeing what the specialists are doing, and will ultimately be managing your case based on the specialist's recommendations.

regards,

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