Struggling to Identify the Root Cause of These Nervous System Symptoms
Since December 2024, my wife, aged 37, has been experiencing sporadic issues, including: * Tingling sensations in both her arms and legs, with a noticeable emphasis on the left side, impacting her hands and feet as well. * Blurred vision affecting predominantly her left eye. * Mid-back pain. * Episodes of shakiness, particularly occurring in the evening. Initially, she suspected these could be early indicators of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, after consulting with three different neurologists, all ruled out the possibility of MS. Additionally, she has undergone various tests including: * Electromyography (EMG) * Nerve Conduction Studies * Brain MRI scans * Cervical Spine MRI scans * Thoracic Spine MRI scans * Visual Evoked Potential tests * Skin Biopsy to assess for small fiber neuropathy. All results have consistently returned normal, indicating no underlying problems. One neurologist suggested that anxiety might be contributing to her symptoms and prescribed Buspirone, but after nearly six months, there has been no noticeable improvement. This development isn't particularly surprising, as my wife has not shown any previous signs of anxiety. The only remaining test scheduled is a Somatosensory Evoked Potential test, but given our experiences thus far, I am not very hopeful that it will yield any new information. It feels as though we are just reaching for answers with no clear direction. I am reaching out to see if anyone has insights into what these symptoms might indicate, or if there are alternative options we should consider. It’s painful to witness her struggle, especially since these issues arose unexpectedly. She maintains excellent health overall—no known health complications in her family, and her blood tests have returned positive results. I appreciate any guidance or suggestions you might have. Thank you!
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 2:20:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your wife's ongoing struggles with these perplexing symptoms. It's understandable that you're seeking clarity and relief for her condition. Based on the information provided, your wife's symptoms—which include tingling sensations, blurred vision, mid-back pain, and episodes of shakiness—can indeed be distressing.
Overview of the Situation
- Symptoms: Tingling in arms and legs, blurred vision in one eye, mid-back pain, shakiness.
- Exclusions: Multiple Sclerosis has been ruled out through thorough testing.
- Current Treatment: Buspirone prescribed for anxiety without noticeable improvement.
Explanation
Even though multiple neurological tests have returned normal results, this doesn’t necessarily mean that there isn't an underlying issue; it could be something less conventionally diagnosed, such as functional neurological disorder (FND) or a variant of chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Anxiety, while noted, might not be the root cause if she has no prior history of it. The body can respond to stress or illness in various ways, sometimes manifesting physical symptoms without clear medical causes.
Next Steps
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Observe and Document: Keep a comprehensive diary of her symptoms, noting when they happen, their duration, intensity, and any triggers or patterns. This can help identify correlations or circumstances that exacerbate her condition.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Encourage gentle physical activity, such as yoga or stretching, which can help with both physical sensations and general well-being. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation, may be beneficial even if anxiety isn’t a primary concern.
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Nutritional Considerations: Evaluate her diet for any potential deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, magnesium) that might contribute to neurological symptoms. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health.
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Alternative Consultations: If the next test, Somatosensory Evoked Potential, doesn’t provide clarity or relief, consider exploring consultations with specialists in pain medicine, rheumatology, or integrative health. Sometimes a broader perspective can lead to new insights.
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Therapeutic Activities: Pursuing physical therapy or occupational therapy could provide approaches to manage her symptoms and improve her quality of life through tailored exercises and strategies.
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Supportive Care: Finally, connecting with support groups that focus on chronic symptoms or undiagnosed conditions can provide emotional support and insight from others experiencing similar struggles.
Reassuring Note
It's completely natural to feel overwhelmed when medical answers seem elusive. Providing your wife with a supportive environment where she feels heard can be incredibly valuable as you navigate this journey together. Please remember to take care of yourself throughout this process as well. Let me know if you need further information or help!
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