From: anonymous@msn.com
Subject: Dizzyness and weakness problem
Posted-By: xx108 (ENT Clinic Moderator)
Organization: Organization For Community Networks
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 97 22:27:13 UT
Newsgroups: ofcn.clinic.ent

Hello doctor,
I am a computer programmer, working hard at work and at home in weekends. About 5 weeks ago I started to experience a major dizzyness problem. I could not work or do anything else but lay in bed. After another week I started to experience a general weakness in my body, right leg was num and I had to force myself in order to walk. My speach was affected, my mental ability and my patience also.
I was sometimes nausios when I was really tired. Focusing on my computer screen was very hard to do.
My family doctor prescribed blood and urine tests which came out fine. The general phisical was very good also. Then he prescribed an MRI/MRA which also came up fine. I went to a neurologist that prescribed Meclizine for inner ear neuronitis suspected problem which does not seem to help. He also prescribed an BAER evoked potential test. I do not have the results of that test yet except for the hearing part which came out fine. Basically the symptoms remain the same, no change.

I would appreciate a second opinion regarding the other possible causes that I should investigate.
Thank You.

Reply: --------------------------

Based on what you have described, I would certainly concur with a neurological evaluation by a neurologist particularly because of the symptoms of generalized weakness and numbness experienced in your right leg. If the neurologist feels that it is inner ear related, then I might consider a second opinion with an ear, nose, and throat specialist. This is assuming that your primary care physician has checked for blood pressure or heart rhythm abnormalities, as well as metabolic or hormonal causes which I presume were assessed via the "blood and urine" tests you mentioned.

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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis

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