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Posted 1/24/2012 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I'm new to this site and glad to be here. I have a question about overall numbness. I had a back injury and I gradually went numb, first in my legs then my upper torso. I just had a mamogram and I didn't feel it. Mamograms use to be painful.

My question is do I need to see a neurologist and if so what could he or she do for me? I'm currently under the care of a rheumatologist.

Thank you.

Posted 1/24/2012 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Always....Welcome to HW forum....In answer to your question yes I would see either a neurologist or a nuero surgeon. It sounds like you have some nerve pinch this happened to me after 2 discs surgery. Keep us posted as to what you find out. I am sure there will be other members with other advice, I think you will find the members here are helpful and very encouraging.
Bless you, Amy smurf smurf smurf
Posted 1/24/2012 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
The neurologists would test your nerves, test is called an EMG and might
be used as a diagnositic tool to see what is happening with your nerves
and they'd go from there like might order up blood work. It'd be a good
starting point for you to see a neurologists...and Brain MRI's might
also be ordered up for you...Hope this info helps...
Also, make sure to tell your RA doctor whats happening, make sure it's
not a side effect off one of your medicines...
Do you have RA or a different autoimmune disease that the RA doctor is treating you for??
Posted 1/24/2012 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I would agree with Sos. I would see a neurologist just to make sure. I had some numbness in my groin due to a herniated disc, and the neurologist was able to identify that due to a nerve conduction test.
Posted 1/24/2012 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Always New and welcome to the chronic pain forum. I am glad that you found us but sorry that you have to be here, but none the less welcome aboard.

I am wondering if you have told your rheumatologist about the new numbness and what did he/she think. Alot depends on what your ins requires before seeing a specialist. You may have to be referred by your primary care physician. Your situation is a little different from the people I have seen with back problems. Most people with back problems have pain that hits the lower extremities and neck problems cause upper extremity problems. Hopefully the dr can get to the bottom of this regardless what is causing what. Amy has suggested good picks, so please let us know what you have found out.

Take care and keep us posted.
Posted 1/24/2012 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your helpful comments.

Mister Katamari,

That's great you found out what was going on with your groin but can I ask what benefit it was for you to find that out? Was something further done?

I guess my big question is if a person was to find out they have pinched nerves and numbness what could a neuro surgeon and/or a neurologist do?

Thanks again.
Posted 1/24/2012 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Depending on the extent of the pinched nerve sometimes people end up having surgery to get the pressure off of the nerve. The nerves are a very delicate and really have to heal on their own. When there is a nerve problem this is where an excellent neurosurgeon is good one to in your corner. Dealing with nerves are pretty much his specialty. Other times conservative care can take of the nerve situation. A neurologist does not do any type of surgery and most likely would refer out to a neurosurgeon. There several medications available to help with nerve pain as regular pain medication has little effect on nerve pain.

For your sake I sure hope this does not turn out to be a pinched nerve.

Take care.
Posted 1/24/2012 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, straydog.

Can I ask what could happen if a person just ignores the situation?

Is it true pinched nerves could affect one's organs?

I really appreciate this.

Thanks again.
Posted 1/25/2012 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
..maybe consult with your Primary doctor (PCP) first and from there you can ask for referrals to
the neurologists and possible neurosurgeon...many well wishes...

Post Edited (Chartreux) : 1/24/2012 6:10:04 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/25/2012 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Another nerve test is called evoked potentials. It's similar to an EMG but instead of checking peripheral nerve function, it tests central nerve function.

Nerve damage can indeed cause internal organs to not function typically. Bowel and bladder issues are sometimes the results of nerve damage.
Posted 1/26/2012 10:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone.

I can't get in to see my GP until the end of February. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again.
Posted 1/26/2012 10:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi again, I do hope you made an appt with your GP, that is an awful long time to have to wait to see a GP, do you always have to wait that long? You mentioned having a mammo, will they call you with the results or do you have to go into the office to get the results? I do hope you will get this checked out, better to be safe than sorry.

Good luck.
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