Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

Various unclear symptoms from the fields of neurology and internal medicine.

February 15, 2019 | 65,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,

My wife currently has a series of symptoms, the causes and potential connections of which are not entirely clear. Here is the "list"...

- Several months ago, unusual tingling/discomfort in one thigh at night, stronger than usual after exertion (not further investigated at the time)
- For several months, slight "floaters" in the field of vision, as well as slight streaks when looking at the sky (eye doctor: age-related)
- Probably the beginning of menopause 1-2 years ago with irregularities in the menstrual cycle and a rapid decline in libido for the past two months
- Generally, fatigue, moderate sleep quality, and exhaustion for about half a year
- End of December for the first time, currently again: swollen eyelids and slightly red, itchy forehead, especially on the left side (eye doctor and ENT without findings)
- End of December for the first time, currently again: slight visible trembling of the right hand (family doctor: if persistent, then MRI)
- January 1st, 2019: herniated disc in the lumbar spine (diagnosed by MRI), initially extreme pain and no reflex in the sole of the foot, now improving
- Newly added since 1-2 weeks and a more pronounced reason for doctor visits: discomfort in the right arm

- Age: 45
- Blood tests okay, only vitamin D deficiency (~10)
- Medications: blood pressure medication, well controlled
- No headaches, no paralysis, or muscle weakness
- Cold for 2 weeks, currently only coughing

Concerns/Suspicions: Mixture of symptoms from menopause/psyche/aging, and on the other hand, a possible neurological condition, such as MS/brain/cervical spine?

Question: What steps should be taken, how urgent, which doctors, what to look for, etc.? Thank you!

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,

The tingling in the leg corresponds to the later diagnosed herniated disc, here the orthopedist should look for muscular tensions in the neck and chest. These or a herniated disc there can explain the sensation in the arm.
A cold is normal at this time of year, the described vitreous opacities are also normal for age.
Lack of libido, exhaustion, and sleep problems are typical for menopause as well as irregular menstrual cycles, here the gynecologist is needed.
The problem with the eyelids suggests an allergy, for example, to a skin cream.
Here I see no connection with the trembling, which should always be clarified neurologically with the question of Parkinson's disease.

I wish your wife all the best!

Sincerely, Dr. Gehring