Gait Issues - Neuropathy Message Board

sunshine221 · 02-02-2006, 06:59 AM

From summer of 2004 I developed a gait problem. My husband first noticed that my arm wasn't swinging properly when I walked and slowly my walking deteriorated. I was diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis and had a laminectomy on Sept 2 (C4-C7). They said this was causing the walking problem, but may or may not cure it. Other symptoms that developed in the time before surgery - neurological weakness, tremors, numbness - mostly all on my right side are largely reduced/gone. I have some numbness and tremors in my right arm, but pretty minor and they go away and some ocassional numbness in my foot.

The ongoing problem is the gait. The PT says my muscle tone is fine and there isnt too much he can do (he is very good and knowledgeable about neuro issues). We are going to try water walking. When I walk, it sort of looks like a drop foot situation, but its not - I have full control of the foot - but he wants to have a brace made "for safety reasons" so I don't trip over my toe.

The doctor says I am doing great -- "give it a year" -- meanwhile I'm frustrated. Where I used to be a power walker, I can barely walk at 2mph on the treadmill. Doc says exercise as much as possible. I currently go to Curves 4-6 times a week, then 10 min on stationary bike and 20min on treadmill along with stretching and leg lifts with ankle weights. I'll add the swimming/water walking.

My questions:

1) anyone similar out there?? I see others on this board being told to give it 12-18 months -- the frustrated part of me finds this hard to believe, but I have seen improvements in other areas

2) I have mixed feelings about the brace. I don't want to feel defeated -- I want to do everything I can to "fix" this as opposed to "working around it"

feelbad · 02-06-2006, 07:09 AM

Have you ever had a brain scan done?like an MRI or MRA/I realy think in your case,this definitely is needed just to rule out any possible problems stemming from somewhere inside the brain.not like a tumor or something nesscessarily,but there are many weird types of conditions/diseases and vascular malformations that could also be causing your ongoing symptoms.The foot drop is what really is making me wonder the most.This could also be stemming from a low back issue or a brain issue.You just need to be sure that every possibility has been ruled out here before just 'settling' for an easy dx given by your doc.I definitely would explore this possibility if this were going on with me,really.good luck and please keep me posted,K?Marcia

sunshine221 · 02-06-2006, 10:08 AM

Marcia

I started with a brain MRI, then cervical (where they found the stenosis) and then the lower two sections (just to make sure) and they were fine.

-gloria

duttin · 02-06-2006, 11:01 AM

Gloria,

I use leg braces and they have been a GOD sent.I first thought I was surrendering and being defeated,but in all actually they have helped a tremendous amount.I have have a form of neuropathy called radiculopathy ---imflamed nerves exiting the spine,even though I have had 2 lumbar surgeries they suspect that the radiculopathy has extended from multiple sclerosis.They make the leg braces now that you can't even see them under you pants.I also exercise and it helps to some degree,I have come to terms with the walking problems and keep on plugging forward.
Don't look at the brace as a defeat,but a tool being used to help your forward progression.It is discouraging when they keep saying give it time.But in all honesty time is all we have.You sound as if you are on the right track to healing,try the leg brace,they do take time getting use to.This summer I'd like to try jogging,I'll do that in the dark,I'm sure it won't be a pretty site in the day light.
Prayers to you
Toni

notpain · 02-20-2006, 04:39 PM

I had a herniation w/slight impingement @ c4/5. Both c5/6 and c6/7 are degenerated buldging, but not herniated at these levels and not touching the cord.

I believe the c4/5 herniation affected the lateral corticospinal tract in my neck. This tract runs to the Thoracic spine, perhaps further? - and is responsible for gravitation muscles and postural balance.

My balance has been off for 18 months. Walking is a challenge, I hold walls. My gait is wide and akward. Feel like I am going to fall over. Better with neyes open.

Neurotologist does'nt know why. ENT's have been a waste of money, and yet to find a neurologists opinion I trust. Most my Doctor visits are short, expensive, and the doctor can't wait to push me out the door because I can read and take notes and they don't like questions. So far none know any thing about Barre-Liou (sp?), or cervogenic dizziness. I went to a balance center and took a bunch of expensive unpleasant tests. I was told I have "central" not "peripheral" problem.

To the point - stenosis of the cord can effect balance for some. It doesn't seem to be as common as pain. It must depend on the level and location of the impingement.

Ask you Doctor about corticospinal tracts (lateral and Medial) and see what they say. Doctors don't know how to diagnose complex (or eve simple) balance problems very well.

Please don't abandon post - let us know what you find out. Too many people come here looking for answers then never return to help.