Expert: Dr. Peter Carr - 10/9/2009

Question
My friend's health has been slowly disintegrating for the past 18 months. She has been to two neurologist, and one neurosurgeon, and had four MRIs.
She has bulging discs in her neck and herniated discs in her back, but the neurosurgeon said he can't do anything for her, though he acknowledges something is wrong.
She has limb weakness on her left side. She drags her left foot, and walks on her tiptoes to try and keep her balance. She is using a cane and holds onto the wall when she is walking. It is an effort for her to pick up her feet and every movement she makes, takes concentrated effort. Her fingers and hands move very slowly-buckling a seat belt takes effort.
She is 56 years old. Fasting blood sugar is 110, cholesterol (the bad one) is 150. She is on hypertensive and on blood pressure medicine. She has been on blood pressure medicine for a year.
She was in good health before this. The neurologist said that there is slight scarring on the brain that shows mini strokes have happened in the past. They have ruled out MS.
We are at our wit's end trying to find someone to help. Do you have any ideas as to what direction or tests we should request? Any help you can give is appreciated.  

Answer
Faith;

It's a lot to take in here.  She could have neurologic problems as a result of strokes, it could be that the S1 nerve root is being compressed.   I'd have to say I think  the strokes sound most likely for a reason.  I'm at a loss, without actually examining her.  It sounds like the neurologist is hedging her/ his bets on your friend.  My recommendation is to have another look at her, and get another opinion.

This really has to be the most unsatisfying answer I've given on this site, I'm sorry I can't help more.

Dr. Peter Carr
Seattle, WA