Should I Seek Another Opinion?
I am a 45-year-old woman, standing at 5’4” and weighing 132 pounds. Recently, I was diagnosed with cerebral microvascular disease, which my neurologist assures is a typical condition for someone my age and not a cause for concern. Over the past year, I’ve experienced sporadic episodes of shock-like pain that radiates from the base of my neck into my left arm and leg. Interestingly, these sensations do not occur simultaneously and I cannot trigger them on demand. They predominantly arise when I am lying down. A recent incident occurred where I was sitting at my desk, stood up, and as I attempted to walk, my leg moved, but my foot remained planted. Consequently, I landed heavily on the floor and fell forward. Notably, I didn’t experience any dizziness or fatigue before this event. I visited the emergency room where they excluded the possibility of a stroke after conducting several tests, including an EKG and X-ray, and then referred me to my neurologist. He suspects I may have carpal tunnel syndrome in my left wrist or arm, despite my reports of no pain in my wrist and no discomfort when typing or texting. Today, I went in for an EMG as the next step in evaluating this condition. Interestingly, there was no pain present during the test. They focused solely on my left arm to either confirm or disprove the carpal tunnel theory. I find myself puzzled because I always believed carpal tunnel was typically associated with repetitive wrist strain. It’s worth mentioning that I am right-handed. As a result of the testing, my arm is currently painful, and I sincerely hope that discomfort subsides soon. Just to clarify, the pain that I experience radiates from the base of my neck rather than my leg. My apologies for any confusion!
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 5:40:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel uncertain and seek clarity regarding your diagnosis and symptoms, especially after experiencing concerning episodes. You’ve been diagnosed with cerebral microvascular disease, and your neurologist’s reassurance about it being typical for your age may not align with your experiences of shock-like pains and episodes of weakness.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Cerebral microvascular disease can affect blood flow in the brain, but the combination of your symptoms—radiating pain from your neck and sudden weakness leading to a fall—is not typical. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually involves pain or numbness in the wrist and hand, often associated with repetitive tasks. Your lack of wrist pain and the nature of your symptoms suggest that there might be another underlying issue contributing to your pain and episodic weakness that isn't solely related to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Next Steps to Consider
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your episodes. Note the circumstances before they occur, their duration, and any other symptoms (like tingling or weakness). This can provide valuable insights for your neurologist.
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Follow Up on EMG Results: After your EMG, communicate openly with your neurologist about your concerns, especially since the test only focused on your left arm. Emphasize the episodic shocks and weakness, so they consider broader assessments.
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Request Comprehensive Testing: Ask your neurologist about the potential need for further tests, such as MRI imaging of the cervical spine, which might reveal issues affecting your neck or nerves that could explain the symptoms you’re facing.
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Consider Seeking a Second Opinion: If you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, it’s entirely valid to seek a second opinion from another neurologist. A fresh perspective can provide new insights or alternate testing options.
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Manage Pain and Seek Relief: For the pain from your EMG and general discomfort, consider using ice packs to reduce swelling and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, unless otherwise advised by a doctor.
Moving Forward
It's important to have a thorough understanding of your health and to feel comfortable with your diagnosis. Staying informed and involved in your care can help improve your situation and peace of mind. Please take these steps and advocate for your health. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional support!
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