Question:
I am 25 years old. Last week i was driving to the Dr. for a severe bladder infection. On the way my hands started tingling and going numb, then my feet, ears and shoulders did the same thing. It got more & more intense, all while i was hearing loud ringing vibrations and feeling strange all over. This was similar to fainting, which at the time i thought that was happening to me because of the pain i was experiencing from bladder. Well, next my arms and legs starting stiffining (drawing up). I then knew i had to call 911. Within 1 or 2 mins. while talking to 911 operator, my fingers & hands drew up and I found myself paralysed. My speech was slurred to the extent that the operator couldn't understand me. At this time the cell phone was in the floor because i had no way of using my hands or fingers. My body froze and even my tounge and lip muscles did the same. I was terrified, to say the least. Ambulance came & took me the ER. They gave me oxygen, an IV of antibiotics for the infection and IV of Adivan for the muscles. 30 mins. later it happened again in the ER. The Dr. acted nonchalantly about it & gave me another shot of adivan & sent me on my way with a script of antibiotics & xanax for panic attacks. but as i've been following up with other Dr.'s, they seem to think that i may have a mass on my brain. Yes, they agree that i'm experincing panic attacks, but feel that the paralysis is a seperate problem. Since then (1 week ago), my arms and hands have been numb almost at all times. I've felt my ears ringing again, and when i do, i take a xanax and it goes away (not the numbness though). What is wrong with me? I had one Dr. tell me to see a great internalist and another tell me to see a neurologist. Any thoughts? Please help

Answer:
Hey Steph, how are you doing?

Paralysis is a symptom that usually accompany cardiovascular disorders e.g. a stroke. However, most of all of your kidney and urinary tract disorders will cause some degree of cardiovascular changes i.e. a rise in blood pressure and fast pulse in Acute and Chronic Kidney Infection.

In Cystitis, the name used by many Physicians to refer to urinary tract infection with pathognomonic local symptoms, prominent systemic manifestations of infection, such as fever above 101 degrees F, muscular pain, nausea, vomiting, and prostration, should cause the Physician to suspect comitant infection in the kidney, prostate, or some other part of the body. Even in the absence of systemic manifestations of infection, it is usually not possible to be certain that infection is limited to the bladder area in patients with cystitis.

When the urinary bladder reaches its capacity, 400 to 500ml in the normal adult, the stretch receptors transmit impulses via the pelvic afferent nerves, the sacral reflex center, and the fasciculus gracilis to the brain. Chronic inflammatory disorders of the meningomyelitis and spinal cord, are conditions that can readily be reconized by cerebrospinal fluid changes.

Suprisingly on an intresting and curious note, 2 percent of all autopsies held for various causes of death showed some form of asymptomatic brain tumor. This indicates their presence in unexpected persons, but unlikely the cause of your symptoms.

Hope this answers your question,

REFERENCES

1. Oppenheimer MD, GD and Keuhnelian MD, JG (urologist). Acute Kidney Infection and Chrinic Kidney Infection: The Kidney and the Urinary System. (Unknown Publishing Date). Funk & Wagnall's Family Medical Guide. Toronto, Canada (Ed.) Sigmund Stephen Miller. p. 389-90.

2. Lytton, B and Epstein, FH. Alterations in urinary function: Dysuria, Incontinence, and Enuresis. 1977. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 8th ed. vols. 2. (Eds.) George W. Thorn et al. New York. McGraw-Hill Book Company. p. 233-4.

3. Richardson, JR., EP and Adams, RD. Degenerative Disease of the Nervous System: Differential Diagnosis. 1977. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 8th ed. vols. 2. (Eds.) George W. Thorn et al. New York. McGraw-Hill Book Company. p. 1932.

4. Lewis MD, LD (neurologist). Brain Tumors: The Brain and Nervous System. (Unknown Publishing Date). Funk & Wagnall's Family Medical Guide. Toronto, Canada (Ed.) Sigmund Stephen Miller. p. 218.

The Prison Hospital

Prisoner: Look here, doctor! You've already removed my spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and one of my kidneys. I only came to see if you could get me out of this place!

Doctor: I am, bit by bit.





Answer:
In Reply To I think that you should only be seeing one family doctor for treatment and medication and, perhaps you are. (You mentioned "one of the doctors" so I am concerned that you are getting too much advise from different professionals). If a brain tumor or abnormality is suspected, then I'm not sure why your family doctor has not ordered an MRA of the head and neck and an MRI of the brain? These would rule out any arterial blockage or tumor and you certainly have a proper diagnosis to warrant that these tests will be covered by your insurance. Stress can be a monster and wreak havoc on your entire body in many ways. I think that kidney/bladder infections can cause numbness and tingling as well but after being on antibiotics and noticing improvement with your symptoms, I tend to think that it's unrelated in your situation. If your symptoms are alleviated by taking your Xanax, then that directly points to stress and anxiety. However, like I said... I think that you should have the MRA and MRI not only to make certain that you are not dealing with something such as a tumor/blockage, but for your own peace of mind. I think that ruling some things out can help ease your mind greatly!