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joprud
02-10-2003, 07:38 PM
I am a 47 year old female 5'2 approx. 125 lbs.
What could be some possible causes of pins and needles in the right side of my face and more recently my nose on occasion as well and muscle twitching around the eye and or eyelid and or jaw line which occur almost daily to varying degrees. This has been going on since June of last year.( 9 months). I had a MRI of the head and spine in Oct. of last year. The neurologist said he found no cause for this on the brain scan. The spine scan showed DDD, a lot of problems in my cervical spine ( disc herniations, protrusions, perineural cyst, etc) and lumbar spine (disc bulge, protrusion, tear in annulus fibrosis, spinal stenosis etc.), perineural cyst at S1- S2 as well as mild left convex scoliosis of mid thoracic spine. Could the problems in the cervical spine cause this problem in my face or is this not connected in any way? The neuro seems to be stumped http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif and although it is only an annoyance and I can easily live with it, ( if I can live with all the back pain and related problems there, I can certainly live with this.), I am still concerned about what might be causing this. :( Any info anyone might have would be appreciated. Thank you for any info you may be able to provide.

Take Care, :wave:
Joanne

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joprud
02-12-2003, 01:54 AM
bump

------------------

Diagnosed DDD 1993
C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar effacing ventral thecal sac Mild stenosis of neural foramina
C5-C6 posterior disc protrusion effacing v t s .Mild stenosis of neural foramina
C6-C7 posterior disc herniation effacing v t s . Mild stenosis of neural foramina
C7-T1 Small perineural cysts present in both neural foramina.
left convex scoliosis of mid thoracic spine. wedging of T7. wedging of T5 .degenerative end plate changes at T8-T9
L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge effacing v t s. hypertrophy of facet joints, minimal central spinal stenosis.
L5-S1 posterior disc protrusion with associated tear of annulus fibrosis. hypertrophy of facet joints.
S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.

melanie dawn
02-12-2003, 02:02 PM
Hi Joanne,
welcome.While I can not answer your question definately, I know that i am always asked if I have any facial pins and needles or numbness. So it could be related.
I see that you are from Ontario, whereabouts ?, I live in the Niagara Region. I realize how confusing this all is, the symptoms are so varied, and individual.It seems that there are some things that are consistent between people, and others that are quite unique. Even when looking at spinal cord compression, some people will be without symptoms and have alot of compression. While others have only mild compression but multple ,severe symptoms. It is all based on the individuals body and how it compensates for the damage.
I hope this helps a bit,
Mel

joprud
02-12-2003, 02:59 PM
Hi Mel,

Thanks for the reply. :)
:D WOW, I see you're from Welland, we lived in Welland for a few years but we are now in St.Catharines.

I agree about the symptoms being so weird and varied, sometimes I feel like the Drs. are going to, or do, think I'm nuts :round: when I try to describe what's going on with my body. That's why these boards are so great, they help you to realize that you're not crazy and not alone.

I went for my physio today and asked her about the facial pins and needles and she said that yes it is a definite possibility (not that she was diagnosing, just saying it is possible). Now, had my neuro not misplaced my MRI when I went to see him, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif maybe he would have been able to make this diagnosis.
But since I had only discussed the lower back problems with him during my visit and he hadn't had a really good look at the MRI and could only remember vaguely some of the things on there (the report was two pages long), he probably wasn't even aware of the cervical problems. He told me to call him the following week to discuss the MRI findings so I did.... Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, and he never returned my call (what a jerk)so I gave up and told his receptionist to just send me a copy of the report and I'd figure it out for myself, so that's what I continue to do.

I've posted on the "back problems" board a couple of times but I'm new to this one. What problems are you dealing with? I'll have to go back and read some old posts and catch up.

Anyhoo... I gotta go for now, I'm expecting a buddy to drop by shortly. I hope to hear from you again.

Hope everyone has a good day and even better tomorrows!

Take Care :wave:
Joanne


------------------

Diagnosed DDD 1993
C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar effacing ventral thecal sac Mild stenosis of neural foramina
C5-C6 posterior disc protrusion effacing v t s .Mild stenosis of neural foramina
C6-C7 posterior disc herniation effacing v t s . Mild stenosis of neural foramina
C7-T1 Small perineural cysts present in both neural foramina.
left convex scoliosis of mid thoracic spine. wedging of T7. wedging of T5 .degenerative end plate changes at T8-T9
L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge effacing v t s. hypertrophy of facet joints, minimal central spinal stenosis.
L5-S1 posterior disc protrusion with associated tear of annulus fibrosis. hypertrophy of facet joints.
S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.

melanie dawn
02-12-2003, 06:54 PM
Hi Joanne,
wow, what a small world. I am dealing with increasing difficulty walking, no arm strength, no leg strength. Bladder problems, the killer neuro headaches 2-3days per week. Pain,burning, neck,arms, legs. I no longer have a sense of where my legs are(sometimes my hands/arms at night). Oh yeah! and no balance. My MRI reads: widespread cervical stenosis, centrally herniated discs at C5-6,C6-7 with pronounced cord compression dorsally, as well as anterior compression at these levels. The NS suspects that there is no spinal fluid flow or greatly diminished.And that I have myelopathy.
I leave for Chicago for surgical consult this Sunday. No more crappy waiting lists for me.I dont know about you , but I have not been impressed with the system here. And I work in it! Where or who is the neurosurgeon that you see? Where do you go for physio?
I go to K Yardley (in Fonthill) for physio, they are great.
Have you had any treatment yet?
So far I have had all of the anti-inflammatories and 18 para vertabral injections. Not much fun.
Talk to you soon.
Mel
ps. cant forget the osteophytes.

[This message has been edited by melanie dawn (edited 02-12-2003).]

[This message has been edited by melanie dawn (edited 02-12-2003).]

[This message has been edited by melanie dawn (edited 02-12-2003).]

joprud
02-13-2003, 11:46 AM
Hi Mel,

I am so sorry that you are suffering so much. My symptoms are not nearly as severe.
Most severe pain is in the lumbar region.
Between 1993 and now I have had numerous flare ups. These flare ups would usually last from 1 to 3 weeks,increasing in frequency. Starting Jan.2002, things got much worse. I have been in pain all day every day, varying types of pain and to varying degrees. AT times pain is in my hips and butt as well. I am experiencing pins and needles (most particularly my right leg from the knee to my toes), aching and weakness in my legs, occasionally up into my hips. Occasional drop foot. Also experiencing pins and needles in my arms from the elbow to my fingers to varying degrees now constantly when lying down (off and on other times but mostly when lying down) Sitting for long is out of the question, on my worst days I can’t even go 5 mins. Standing for too long can also become more painful. Love to walk and normally I’m fine, but occasionally walking causes the pain in my back to get worse 2 steps – stop due to excruciating shooting pain up my back – few more steps in barely bearable pain — stop shooting pain – etc. This has happened a few times. ( Hubby bought me a cell phone to take with me on my walks fearing this would happen while I was alone and I'd be stranded. What a sweety http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love2.gif
Pins and needles in legs when squatting. Lying down is most often the most comfortable but lately and occasionally in the past it is still painful. (although still better.) Pins and needles and/or what feels like mild vibrating in legs often when lying down. Occasional restless leg syndrome. Pins and needles in legs periodically when sitting. And of course the facial pins and needles and muscle twitching mentioned in my first post.
I hope your consult in Chicago goes well, I hope he/she is someone who'll listen and care ( unlike mine)
I DEFINITLY agree that the system here STINKS!!!
My neuro was Dr. Turnbull in Hamilton http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_down.gif
All he suggested was to find a new job not as physical and to find myself some strengthening exercises to do. I was too scared to try something on my own for fear of doing more damage so my hubby asked an aquaintance of his, who is a Doc in Welland actually, if he could get me a refferal for physio and perscribe me some meds. I just started my meds and physio the end of last month so no affect yet, hopefully soon.
My physio is here in St. Kits. She is very nice and far more helpful and informative than any of the docs.

Again, please keep me posted on how things go in Chicago. I hope they can do something for you and that you'll finally get some relief.

I love these boards but I gotta admit it makes me sad that so many people are suffering so much. I wish there was something I could do to help each and every one of them.

One more thing quickly: On a good note, I just got a new job today as a supply teacher at a daycare.
WOOHOO http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif I SO LOVE KIDS.

Anyhoo.... I've rambled on enough for now http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif

Talk to ya soon I hope.

Take Care :wave:
Joanne

joprud
02-20-2003, 12:02 AM
bump :wave:

melanie dawn
02-24-2003, 09:41 AM
HI Joanne,
Just popped in to say hello, and I hope this note finds you well. Thanks for you kind thoughts
and words. As you have read I am a mess.
I'm happy for you with the new job! HOw is it going?
Take care of yourself, hope to hear from you soon
Mel

Lucille711
06-15-2003, 07:38 PM
Mel,
I just happened to come across your and Joann's e-mails while trying to figure out what is going on with me. What you described is exactly how I've been feeling lately. I feel that my legs are not as much a part of me as they once were! I also have muscles changes, especially in my legs. The muscles appear to be thickening, not sure how else to describe it. I have been to five doctors but am not getting any answers. This thing is so weird, whatever it is. I hope you get this and will reply.
Thanks,
Myra

joprud
06-16-2003, 04:02 AM
Hi Myra,

Welcome Aboard...I'm glad you found us...Mel should be along soon...if she doesn't catch this one perhaps you could start a new thread (topic)...I'm so sorry that your docs have not been able to find any answers for you...Could you maybe provide more info...Have you had an MRI?...If so what did it show?...Any other tests etc?...The more info you can provide the better we can help...at least I hope we can...Hope to hear from you soon...Again Welcome.

Take Care, :wave:
Joanne

------------------

Sept‘63,fall on back on stairs,compression fractures of T6 and T8
1993 X-ray Diagnosed DDD
Nov,2002 MRI C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar effacing ventral thecal sac, stenosis of neural foramina.C5-C6 posterior disc protrusion effacing VTS. Stenosis of neural foramina.C6-C7 posterior disc herniation effacing VTS.stenosis of neural foramina.C7-T1perineural cysts in both neural foramina.left convex scoliosis mid thoracic spine.wedging of T7. wedging of T5.degen.end plate changes at T8-T9. L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge effacing VTS.hypertrophy of facet joints,central spinal stenosis.L5-S1 posterior disc protrusion with associated tear of annulus fibrosis. hypertrophy of facet joints.S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.
So far have tried: meds,physio,acupuncture all to no avail.

mel333
06-16-2003, 01:36 PM
Hi Joanne,

Sorry to hear about the pins and needles and facial twitches. Do you also get headaches? I do and have a torn disc c5/6 where they seem to come from. Like Mel said it's all related and I know I have had weird sensations in my face, jaw and a twitchy eye when I get the shocker headaches. Take care,
Mel

melanie dawn
06-16-2003, 02:25 PM
Hello Myra,
welcome to our spiney family. You will find yourself amidst a wonderful group of people here. The support , compassion and sharing I have found here have truly been a life line, and a tremendous experience for me.
I am sorry to hear about your symptoms, can you tell me a little more about yourself, any other symptoms,testing and diagnosis etc.
I look forward to hearing from you, and once more welcome aboard.
Mel

------------------
Congenital Cervical Stenosis,complicated by:
Paracentral Disc herniations ,bone spurs C4/5,C5/6,C6/7
loss of lordotic curve
Advanced myelopathy inc. walking difficulty, loss of gag reflex with swallowing problems, neurogenic bladder, occipital neuralgia, spacticity

joprud
06-17-2003, 01:33 AM
Hi mel333,

Yes I do get those killer spinal headaches...fortunately I only get them occasionally...But usually when I get them they're bad and come along when I'm having a bad flare...every once in awhile like tonight I get a mild one annoying but bearable...the pins and needles and facial twitches aren't always connected to the headaches for me though...although tonight with this mild headache I am having mild pins and needles.

Take Care :wave:
Joanne

------------------

Sept‘63,fall on back on stairs,compression fractures of T6 and T8
1993 X-ray Diagnosed DDD
Nov,2002 MRI C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar effacing ventral thecal sac, stenosis of neural foramina.C5-C6 posterior disc protrusion effacing VTS. Stenosis of neural foramina.C6-C7 posterior disc herniation effacing VTS.stenosis of neural foramina.C7-T1perineural cysts in both neural foramina.left convex scoliosis mid thoracic spine.wedging of T7. wedging of T5.degen.end plate changes at T8-T9. L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge effacing VTS.hypertrophy of facet joints,central spinal stenosis.L5-S1 posterior disc protrusion with associated tear of annulus fibrosis. hypertrophy of facet joints.S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.
So far have tried: meds,physio,acupuncture all to no avail.

feel_like_im_drowning
06-18-2003, 06:27 PM
Holycow, I'm glad I found you guys...I've got the same thing going on, now on a *@#!ing waiting list for 2 months to see the neurologist -- facial twitches, numbness, pins and needles, pain in the ear, numbness in my tongue, muscle tension in face and in neck, and the lovely spiderweb sensation in various places. Is any of this stress-related? All I know is that it's difficult to get to sleep 'cause of what you might be pushing around in that cervical spine area...It sure helps to know I'm not alone in all this 'cause it often feels that way.

Peace,
dRowning...(Mike)

mel333
06-19-2003, 01:13 PM
Hi Joanne,
I'm sorry you get the headaches, yuk! Yours do sound more like nerve related pain. Are you still looking into possible surgery? Do you take Neurontin? I just started it tonight and am nervous. How silly am I after years of med taking a new one still scares me. Hope your feeling ok today.
Mike,
Your pain should be checked as it sounds like it's getting frustrating. Perhaps an MRI may show any cervical problems with discs or a brain MRI for other conditions like trigeminal neuralgia(pins and needles down the face, occipital neuralgis(headaches)etc. There are lots of good websites out there on these conditions and it's hard to work out what's happening as they all overlap somewhat. You could always get an MRI referral in the mean time from your dr whilst you wait to see the neurologist. Have you had any tests? It does sound like more than stress. Take care,
Mel

joprud
06-20-2003, 03:06 AM
Hi Mel,

Doc and NS say I’m not bad enough for surgery...although they’ve not said outright I get the impression that around here (Canada) they won’t touch you unless you’re an emergency...or at least they’ll try to keep putting you off until then...my Doc told me that there are no good back docs in our area a while ago so I don’t think I would really trust having anyone around here touching me anyway....I’ve not been given Neurontin to try...tried lots of other meds...nothing has worked for me...I don’t like taking any meds...it makes me a little nervous too...but so far nothing I’ve taken has effected me in any way...good or bad...it’s like I’ve taken a sugar pill...I hope the Neurontin works for you...still in a fair bit of pain tonight....my own fault...putting in long hours...no headache tonight though... burning pains are my biggest complaint right now...neck and shoulders...arms and hands hurt...pains in feet and legs off and on thru the day...etc...etc...waa...waa...waa...shou ldn’t be whining if I’m gonna abuse myself working long hrs...anyway, I hope you’re having a good day...talk to ya soon

Take Care, :wave:
Joanne


------------------

Sept‘63,fall on back on stairs,compression fractures of T6 and T8
1993 X-ray Diagnosed DDD
Nov,2002 MRI C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar effacing ventral thecal sac, stenosis of neural foramina.C5-C6 posterior disc protrusion effacing VTS. Stenosis of neural foramina.C6-C7 posterior disc herniation effacing VTS.stenosis of neural foramina.C7-T1perineural cysts in both neural foramina.left convex scoliosis mid thoracic spine.wedging of T7. wedging of T5.degen.end plate changes at T8-T9. L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge effacing VTS.hypertrophy of facet joints,central spinal stenosis.L5-S1 posterior disc protrusion with associated tear of annulus fibrosis. hypertrophy of facet joints.S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.
So far have tried: meds,physio,acupuncture all to no avail.

KeithEugeneW
06-20-2003, 09:10 AM
I found that neurontin stopped my migraines immediately and did help my pain substantially, but that the weight gain (about 20 lbs in 5 months) and the foggy, deer in the headlights feeling was more than I was willing to endure, messed up my life too much and took all my energy away. It affects people differently, so I guess we all need to try things until we find what works best for us individually. I hope it helps you Mel! I'm anxiously awaiting your posts on your artificial disc surgery. When is the date that you go in for that?

feel_like_im_drowning
06-20-2003, 11:00 AM
Mel,

I've got a cervical MRI done and am awaiting tests, and I'm slated to go to the neurologist for a full-body exam in August (seems like it might as well be 2040 from where I am...sigh). I had a brain MRI done two years ago and there weren't any problems then. What's an MRI referral?

Anyhow, thanks for listening. How are things going with you today?

.dRowning (Mike)


------------------
-------
Awaiting outcome of cervical MRI
...Please carry me through this...

Lucille711
06-27-2003, 05:31 PM
Joanne & Mel,

You can imagine how surprised I was when I saw that the both of you had responded to my e-mail! I thought I wasn't getting through and checked for days but nothing was ever there. (not even my own post!) Anyway, it was GREAT to hear from both of you.

I am still hanging in limbo. The doctors have not really said too much of anything. We are still waiting for the muscle biopsy results to come back. I was put in the hospital two weeks ago and had an MRI of the spine, EMG, blood work galore and a muscle biopsy. Everything seems to be coming back normal but we haven't heard anything about the biopsy. I have gone back to work and am able to get through the day with the help of a crutch. I am very uncomfortable though as my legs are soooo weak. I am hanging in there though!

Thanks so much for talking with me!
Myra

Lucille711
06-27-2003, 08:43 PM
Mel,
Whatever happened with your consult in Chicago????
Myra

[This message has been edited by Lucille711 (edited 06-27-2003).]

mel333
06-28-2003, 11:57 AM
Joanne,
This Canadian system is a worry. I suppose you have to push and push and keep pushing like Mel.D has been doing and it should not be this way!. Your pain sounds like it is effecting your life enough to have surgery. Can you see any other NS'S? What about a nerve block, EPI for the arm pain? I found a nerve block stopped my right arm pain completely for six months and now it is comming back so I am trying neurontin. I hope you feeling better.

Mike,
Keep persisting with the tests. A MRI referral is just a letter to have a MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING scan, like a cat scan or X ray but more detailed. You can get a referral from any docter for this. How are you feeling?

Myra,
I 'm glad you've had lots of tests. It is a good sign if everything comes up normal. Yet, keep checking because some things take a while. The foot pain sounds spinal but I guess it could be nerve realted. Did you have an EMG? You could also have a bone scan.

Mel

lifeonhold2003
06-29-2003, 01:10 PM
Mel333 mentioned checking into occipital neuralgia. Funny coincidence, I have been doing that. Since my surgery on 4/23, I have had terrible pain at the base of my neck. It run up the back of my neck over to my forehead. I can't hardly lean my head back against my pillow sometimes from the pain. My scalp is also very tender. It is like a constant tingling, numbing type pain. I also have the numbness in the left side of my face. Sometimes, the pain really pulls in my eyes, like a bad migraine. I mentioned this to NS and he said that during surgery they have to move muscles, ligaments and nerves, including the occipital nerve, and that it may take sometime to heal. I'm just wondering if they could have damaged the occipital nerve. It's hard to understand the sites I'm reading, but I'm still researching.

------------------
AKA: Julie

4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op

feel_like_im_drowning
06-29-2003, 11:33 PM
Mel,

I am doing ok to fair here. I got back the results from my cervical MRI and it was fine. I was shocked at that. Otherwise, I'm feeling better. The pins and needles aren't there in my face as much (but they are there in the legs). My hands are hurting but that's carpal I think. I'm switching primary care docs to find someone who will listen to me for once. I've been using trigger point therapy recently on my face and jaw for the muscle tensions and that has helped quite a bit.

How are things with everyone here? :)

Peace,
dRowning (Mike)

Lucille711
07-04-2003, 10:53 PM
Mel,
Did you go for a consult in Chicago or am I confusing you with someone else? I've been on the computer so much lately and reading so many different things that I may be confused on what I read and where I read it! Yikes. ;

Joann, how are you? How is everyone else here? This is a great place to go when you're down, in pain and feeling all alone. You guys are great. Thanks for being here. :

Myra

sheetrockdolly
07-28-2008, 03:35 PM
Hey Dont feel like you are alone. I am a 39 yr old female fell off a ladder and herniated c3-4,c4-5,c5-6 with spinal stenoisis central cannal compression at all three levels and radicularmylepathy. My spelling suxs lol. But my problems are a lot like yours. My hand goes numb shooting pains stabbing pains right side mainly some left not as bad. But the eye twitching has developed thats when I know a bad episode is coming also my PT can touch that spinal nerve in my arm and my eye will twitch. The jaw thing I can relate with too. 1 week after epidrual injections my right side of my face at the jaw swelled. I thought it was a wisdom tooth thats where the pain seem to come from. Went to my dentist got antibiotics and pain med misrable for about four days. Went back to the dentist he did not find a bad tooth or a wisdom tooth. Told me to come back when it swelled again. After my first session of therapy my freaking jaw hurt all night. Because this workers comp in texas I am not getting the help I need. The Neros nurse said she had never heard of an eye twitching..Do not want to perscribe me pain meds. These episodes seem to be increasing and the pain in my triceps and trapezious are driving me insane. This continues I am trying the emergecy room. Please keep me informed on what you find out...Good Luck and God Bless

Mod08
07-28-2008, 11:54 PM
This thread is being closed. Do not post to threads in the future older than 60 days old. Thank you for your cooperation.





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