Unexplained Symptoms: Numbness, Blurry Vision, and Normal Tests – Seeking Answers
Hello everyone, I’m a 33-year-old female experiencing some unusual symptoms that have plagued me for more than a year now. The main issues I face include: - Numbness in my hands and feet, especially noticeable in the mornings. - Constant blurry vision that is bothersome, despite multiple eye specialists confirming that my eyesight is healthy. After my neurologist had initial concerns about possible multiple sclerosis (MS), I underwent several tests: - Electromyography (EMG) - results were normal - Lumbar puncture - came back normal - MRI of the brain - detected some lesions, but two neurologists have suggested these do not indicate MS (I am still under observation) - Visual evoked potentials - returned normal - Vitamin B12 levels - normal (458) - TSH, blood sugar, iron, comprehensive blood count - all within normal limits I feel trapped in this frustrating scenario where my test results look acceptable on paper, yet I still sense that something is not right. My vision is persistently unclear; when I focus on an object, it becomes hazy almost instantly. I clearly recall that this issue started last year and has progressively worsened. My hands and feet experience numbness particularly in the morning, which can be alarming. At times, while walking, I suddenly notice that my left foot feels heavy and numb without any warning, though it seems to have been that way all along. Coping with these symptoms has become increasingly challenging. Does anyone have suggestions on what further examinations I could request from my doctors? My general practitioner refers me to neurologists, and they have ruled out MS. I have another brain MRI scheduled for next month, which should help clarify whether it is MS; however, the experts already lean towards it being unlikely. So, what could it possibly be instead? I appreciate any insights you might have!
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 2:40:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your symptoms and concerns. It’s understandable to feel frustrated when your experiences don’t seem to match your test results. Your symptoms of numbness in your hands and feet, along with persistent blurry vision, warrant further exploration, especially since they have been ongoing for over a year.
Summary of Your Situation
You’ve undergone comprehensive testing for conditions like multiple sclerosis, and while some test results show abnormalities, the majority return normal. It's important to seek clarity and further evaluation to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Possible Explanations
Given the normal test results and symptoms, some conditions to consider include:
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Peripheral Neuropathy: This can cause numbness and tingling, often exacerbated by pressure or prolonged positions (like during sleep), which might explain your morning symptoms.
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Migraine-Associated Visual Disturbances: Some individuals experience visual changes alongside migraines, even without severe headaches.
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Autoimmune Conditions: Conditions like lupus or other autoimmune disorders can manifest in neurological symptoms without straightforward lab-test findings.
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Anxiety or Stress: These can sometimes create physical symptoms including numbness and visual disturbances.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take moving forward:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms, including their frequency, duration, patterns (time of day), and any potential triggers. This can help identify correlations and will be useful for your healthcare providers.
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Request Further Testing:
- Additional Blood Tests: Ask about tests for autoimmune conditions like lupus or connective tissue disorders. Specific tests can include ANAs (antinuclear antibodies) and rheumatoid factor.
- Nerve Conduction Studies: To further assess any peripheral nerve issues which could relate to your numbness.
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Consider a Comprehensive Eye Exam: A second opinion from a different eye specialist, particularly one specializing in neuro-ophthalmology, may shed light on the blurry vision.
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Explore Lifestyle Adjustments: Implement stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or physical therapy. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy sleep routine may also alleviate symptoms.
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Follow Up with Neurologists: Continue to communicate with your neurologists about your worsening symptoms and any new findings or changes.
Reassurance
It’s normal to feel anxious when facing unexplained symptoms, but continuing to advocate for yourself with your healthcare providers is crucial. You are doing the right thing by seeking more information and support.
Please let me know if you would like suggestions on specific lifestyle adjustments or stress management techniques!
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