Weird neurological issues... seeing neurologist next week. Need advice

[ModernLifeIsWar]

I've ran across this place a few times now over this past few weeks. This board seems to be a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the human body.

My question is this. I've been experiencing a host of neurological issues for 1.5 months now

Most notably tremors all throughout my body upon movement or doing things (action/postural not resting) but also including muscle twitches/spasms everywhere, hypersensitivity, some degree of numbness and tingling, very bad anxiety, shortness of breath, palpitations, rigid movements at joints, etc...

I've tried revamping my diet to only whole foods/gluten free and all kinds of supplementation but have yet to found lasting relief (I've had brief periods of 80+% reduction but they don't last). I've stopped all supplements this week as I'm going to see a neuro next week. I'm hoping she can run some extensive bloodwork on me as I really feel this issue may be tied to some kind of deficiency of sorts or other abnormality. However, I'm not sure how well educated she is in terms of all this. Obviously, neuros will probably focus more on having some kind of brain disorder which I realize may be a possibility but I don't want to accept that without checking all other avenues.

So my questions is, what tests would you guys recommend getting? If anyone wouldn't mind taking the time to put together a comprehensive list of what would be important to check I would appreciate it so much.

 

[Timaca]

I have LOTS of neurological symptoms...they were some of my first symptoms and I have seen at least 3 neurologists. I pass all their tests. So, basically, they have ruled out the standard neurological problems. I suspect, in my case, I have chronic viral infections that cause me problems....and worse problems when they reactivate or I have a "flare."

They will put you through their standard tests It is a good idea to stay off gluten to see if it makes any difference. But don't stay off it unless you notice a difference. No reason to avoid a food if you don't have too. (This being said by someone who is currently off the top 10 food allergens, gluten included).

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[justy]

With strong neuro symptoms and anxiety I suggest a decent Lyme disease test - do you know if you have ever been bitten?

other than that you need to see a neurologist who can do a proper work up. Do you have ME/CFS as well or are you just here because of the issues you state above, this isn't clear from your post and may help people to get a better idea of what is going on for you.

 

[ahmo]

Worth looking at this vid re B12 deficiency and the havoc that can play on neurology. good luck.

Diagnosing and Treating Vitamin B12 Deficiency‬




http://www.b12deficiency.info/
This site was created as a hub to bring all the key websites on vitamin B12 deficiency together in one place.

 

[ModernLifeIsWar]

With strong neuro symptoms and anxiety I suggest a decent Lyme disease test - do you know if you have ever been bitten?

other than that you need to see a neurologist who can do a proper work up. Do you have ME/CFS as well or are you just here because of the issues you state above, this isn't clear from your post and may help people to get a better idea of what is going on for you.

I don't have ME/CFS, but it seems there are a lot of knowledgeable people on this board going through a variety of neurological symptoms

Here's what I got to be tested:
CBC
Metabolic panel
Thyroid including antibodies
Ferritin, Serum
Folate, RBC
Homocysteine, Cardiovascular
Iron, Serum
Magnesium, Serum
Methylmalonic Acid, (MMA) GC/MS/MS
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B6
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy LC/MS/MS: Vitamin D, 25-OH, Total; Vitamin D, 25-OH, D3; Vitamin D, 25-OH, D2
Zinc

Anything else I should ask for?

 

[taniaaust1]

I'm hoping she can run some extensive bloodwork on me as I really feel this issue may be tied to some kind of deficiency of sorts or other abnormality....Obviously, neuros will probably focus more on having some kind of brain disorder which I realize may be a possibility but I don't want to accept that without checking all other avenues.

Neuros I've found generally do their own kinds of tests, testing reflexes, testing how you move etc and may do brain testing. I haven't had a neuro want to do blood testing, usually doctors/specialists in other areas do that. Ones own general doctor usually does things like CBC.

Specialists often just stick to their own fields of things and one should more expect a neuro doctor to be focused on finding neurological issues. It will either come out yes you have a neuro issue or no you don't and maybe a recommendation to a different kind of specialist

There is so many different things which can cause neuro issues it's really hard to say what tests to recommend.

Be careful taking in a test list to a new neurologist as they could get offended by this (neurogists ive personally found are the worst group of specialists ive ever dealt with, I'm meet a lot of very stuck up neuros). Providing a list to such a specialist first visit may also cause them to think that you have got hypochondria, it can be better just to let them do their own job first without trying to influence them.

Your issue could be anything eg celiac disease may cause neurological symptoms, blood not getting to brain properly can cause tremors on activities when upright etc etc.

 

[globalpilot]

I'd get your epinephrine, norepinephrine and VMA (the metabolite) and metanephrine (another metabolite) tested to rule that out. 24 hour urine. I have had almost these exact symptoms come suddenly last October. It seemed to go away about 80% when I started 350mg ALA but still lingering somewhat. Also, for good measure, could there be something in your living environment that is toxic such as mold ?