This is a rather complex history so I think it's difficult to give you any proper in-depth input. My main concern here is why you are being managed for this neurological condition by your PCP. Have you seen a neurologist for this? The reason I ask is that you're having multiple neurological symptoms with this sudden bout of headache and unilateral weakness and numbness that you have described. And MRI might be sufficient but a proper and thorough neurological exam is also needed. Unfortunately our current healthcare system does not allow for an in-depth neurological exam even in the neurologists office but at least it's worth a try.Agreed completely. Depending on the specifics of your history and exam, a total spine MRI, maybe slightly different types (sequences) of brain MRI, EMG, full neuropathy and rheumatologic panels may be warranted, as well as imaging of your hip.I will say, for what it's worth, that the fact that the numbness is intermittent is encouraging, and nothing on this lumbar MR report is dangerous or significantly abnormal (though it certainly could account for your back pain). Weakness in a single limb is typically a concerning thing to hear, however issues with the hip joint like you seem to be describing can cause weakness in the muscles surrounding the hip.
Sudden loss of mobility - PCP refuses referral/treatmentHello, I'm a 32(F) in the USA. African-American, 5'2" and 144lbs. On Jan 3, 2022, I woke up around 2am with a terrible migraine. I had light sensitivity, confusion and extreme pressure behind right eye. Took excedrin but was unable to sleep due to pain. I was finally able to sleep about 45mins later as meds kicked in. Woke up the next day with a regular headache and soreness in right eye. On Jan. 5th, I suddenly became dizziness at work. The room began to rock and tilt causing loss of balance. My right ear felt clogged and I had pain in jaw joint on the right side. I was taken to ER and evaluated for heart attack, stroke etc. All tests came back normal. I remained in the hospital due to continued dizziness/imbalance but all tests including MRI of head and neck were clear. Was given motion sickness meds but it didn't help. While in hospital, I started having pain in my right hip joint. The joint also pops/clicks with movement. I've experienced the popping/clicking since I was 14 years old (18 years and counting) but this is the first time there has been pain. The pain has spread across my lower back. The pain started as a stabbing, pinching pain and is now an achy and the best way I can describe it is bone deep.I also have weakness in my right leg and intermittent numbness. Two weeks ago, I began to experience multiple episodes of urinary and fecal incontinence. The hip and back pain has gotten worse and the dizziness is the same as when it started. Almost all blood test and urine test have come back normal except for my vitamin d levels. My vitamin d value is 10ng/ml and I was prescribed over the counter vitamin d3 pills (1000unit)An MRI of my lumber spine was done (full report is linked). My PCP said it looked fine but didnt explain anything further. On the MRI it mentions the following:DISCS: L4-5 and L5-S1 disc desiccation and mild to moderate L5-S1 disc space narrowing.BONES: Slight chronic marrow signal changes. Body heights are generally maintained throughout.L3-L4: Slight posterior element degenerative change. Spinal canal and neural foramina are patent.L4-L5: Mild right eccentric disc bulge is slightly improved. Annular fissure. Slight posterior element degenerative changes. Spinal canal and neural foramina are essentially patent.L5-S1: Mild right eccentric disc bulge. Mild posterior element degenerative change. Spinal canal is patent. Slight predominantly bright neural foraminal encroachment.EXISTING MEDICAL ISSUESexercise induced asthma (I take Albuterol as needed)arnold chiari malformationthalassemia traitintermittent fatigueI've also had reoccurring migraines since I was 15 years old along with random, unexplained swelling of my hands and feet. Most recent flare up was unexplained very visible swelling of my left leg in July 2021. (Went to ER and tested negative for clots and gout)I suffer from random bouts of stomach inflammation that has been misdiagnosed as gallbladder disease (gall bladder was removed when I was 16) and has now been attributed to GERD. ( I take omeprazole for stomach and I have a history of stomach ulcers). Most recent flare was October 2021I've also had debilitating back pain since I was 15 years old and have completed physical therapy, acupuncture, multiple courses of steroid injections in my spine and at least 3 courses of prednisone. Pain has been caused by unexplained muscle spasms and bulging discs. I have these flare up at least twice a year.I sometimes have rashes that appear on my back and arms that are often misdiagnosed as ringworm (photos included). Fungal test always comes back negative. So far, the rashes have been diagnosed as eczema and rosacea. Flare ups occur approx once a year for the past 15 years. Rashes sometimes itch but its very mild. Most recent flare up occurred in November 2021.CURRENT SITUATION I requested a referral to be seen in rheumatology and at the spine clinic. PCP did blood test for rheumatoid arthritis plus urine test which came back normal and has refused my rheumatology referral request. PCP also will not refer to spine clinic and has instead enrolled me in a group physical therapy workshop.Dizziness has not changed in 2 months, pain is getting worse, muscle weakness is getting worse but I haven't been prescribed anything. I've been told to use ice and heat and to stretch.LIFESTYLE PRIOR TO CONDITION Before this began, I was very active. I practiced yoga once a week and took dance lessons twice a week. I'm also an avid hiker. I did not fall, over stretched or injure myself in any way prior to these issues. Due to the random flare ups of swollen legs and fingers, I also meal prep and am conscience of what I eat so I believe my diet is pretty good. I've always been an athletic. I played basketball, ran track and played tennis from first grade through high school. In college, I swam and took dance classes most semesters.I'm not used to being in this much pain and not being unable to move for this long. I feel like my PCP doesn't care. I don't know what's happening to my body and because my blood work looks normal, I'm being ignored. Please help! I just want my life back.