Shock Sensation-Leg

[Cant_Stand_It]

Seven months ago I was running upstairs, skipping every other step for exercise, when what I thought to be my sciatic nerve in my left leg 'fired off' with what I can only liken to a huge shock. Thought it a fluke, waited 10 minutes, resumed stairs, and the same thing happened. Ever since, I'm unable to walk briskly without setting it off, and some days the nerve's so twitchy, I move sloth slow and still can't trust a single step. I sometimes get a smaller, 'warning' sensation; other times, even the slightest forward bend at waist or moving leg to side or forward will send a huge 'wave' followed by two more "waves" of unnerving, debilitating sensation.

I have no control over my leg when it's intense. Sometimes it feels as if the floor has raised 18 inches. The sensation now seems to originate from the front of my left hip joint rather than the sciatic nerve, as I'd first thought. It overwhelms my entire leg and occasionally shoots up into my lower abdomen and lower back.

MRI shows some lumbar narrowing and disc disease (I'm 47, female), but isn't impressive, I'm told. I used to bike, hike, enjoy quick paced walks. Now I fall without warning. MRI of head ruled out MS a few years ago (when I had left side neuro symptoms with my arm, hand; had a large bulging disc and cervical fusion--C4-C5. Hand and arm still feel 'asleep' but post op., symptoms in shoulder never recurred).

The doctors seem nonplussed. I'd be tremendously grateful to hear that I'm not the only one whose ever experienced this, or for any suggestions.

[Cant_Stand_It]

Have tried to reply, to thank you, Dr. Kaul, and to give update (not encouraging), but can't tell that I succeeded. Giving it another effort: Thank you for taking the time. I do appreciate it.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Possible causes that may need to be considered include neural compression possible at a lower level than the spine, neuropathy, neuro-degenerative conditions, micronutrient deficiencies, vascular causes, causes related to the hip joint etc. I would suggest seeking a review with your treating neurologist for a detailed evaluation. After a specific cause is identified, it can be managed accordingly.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!