Much depends on who worked you up until now. Having parashesias/numbness on the same side of the body sounds like it could be coming from the opposite side of the brain and this needs to be considered.

The clinical picture you have painted has lead to a great many recommendations. In my opinion the first place to start is a case history and physical exam. Once that is in place appropriate diagnostic testing can be conducted. That might include a MRI of the neck and/or brain. It may or may not include contrast. The contrast will allow for better visualization of potential trouble spots. In addition emg testing of the leg and arm will determine if the nerve is damaged (neuropathy) Should the testing determine nerve pressure due to disc problems chiropractic care would be appropriate. From my point of view I have questions about family history, the area of the hand and arm that are numb as well as the leg. I would also want to know if the numbness changes based upon what you are doing. For example is it worse when you are blow drying your hair.

With multiple unilateral limb neurological complaints, the question is whether this problem is one problem or multiple problems. With the assumption that no tests have been done, after a proper medical history and physical exam, I would consider the following:

1. MRI of Brain, Cervical Spine, and Lumbar Spine. Also a lumbar flexion/extension x-ray to evaluate for unstable spondylolisthesis may be necessary.

2. EMG of Left upper and lower extremities. Many neurologists will do bilateral (both sides) for comparison.

3. A lab workup. This protocol usually includes a SMA-7, CBC with diff, ANA, ENA, hepatitis profile, liver function panel, vitamin E, B12, folate, methylmalonic acid level, sulfatide, and cryoglobulins. This is rather extensive and there are multiple secondary protocols depending on what you are looking for (eg:metabolic myopathy, mitochondrial disorder, etc. )

Each case is different. Since the full neuropathy workup is varied and can be expensive, I would recommend an evaluation by a board certified (medical) neurologist. This will help assure your care is being managed by someone with the necessary experience and access to resources to fully and appropriately evaluate your condition. Additionally, a specialist evaluation may save expenses by helping focus the diagnostic evaluation and avoid unnecessary testing.

This is most likely a combination of a mechanical condition (disc, pinched nerve etc.) and a chemical metabolic issue (Hypothyroidism, mild anemia, mineral deficiencies, etc.). Could be originating from the neck and low back or even from the wrist itself. If recent labwork has been performed a conservative trial period of care from a chiropractic physician would be appropriate. If 50% or more improvement is not attained then an MRI or other diagnostic studies would be indicated.www.sciencewellness.us

One thing that often gets overlooked in unilateral neurological affects is the upper neck. If you already know there are disc herniations in the lower neck, the probability of a subluxation up top is quite high. I am not exclusively an upper cervical doc, but it is always the first thing I look for in unilateral disturbances. A couple upper cervical x-ray images is a lot less expensive than an MRI, and unless you are having other "5 senses" Central nervous system issues your MD is not likely to order and your Ins co is not likely to pay for the advanced imaging.

Depending upon where the lower C-spine disc protrusions are engaging the cord/peripheral nerve root it is also possible they can be having an effect lower down the chain. Remember, all the nerves for your entire body are in the cord and "peel off" to supply their end organs as they go by.

With your symptoms it would also be a good idea to check your carotid artery blood flow by doing a diagnostic ultrasound of your neck. Both problems could also be stemming from nerve pressure in your spine, which gets excellent results through corrective chiropractic adjustments.

I would approach you condition by focusing on you neck first. I have treated disc herniations with spinal decompression therapy for several years with great success. Typically patients come for 10 20 minute sessions over 2 weeks. If this does not help at all we begin to look at the brain and other causes of numbness. Make sure you are getting you RDA's worth of Vitamin B-6 as this is the limiting factor in the re growth of the myelin sheath.

Hello,

Based on the diagnoses you have received, what treatments have been recommended?

Typically, chiropractic adjustments along with physical therapy and cervical traction (Posture Pump) would help correct nerve impingement from the neck causing right hand numbness.

If peripheral neuropathy is the correct diagnosis, decompression of the lumbar spine can be very beneficial.

It sounds like you are concerned about MS? Are you having additional neurological changes or visual disturbance? If not, and you are still concerned, typically an MRI with contrast is ordered after an "attack."

On a final note, evaluating your bloodwork and thyroid markers would be helpful. Consider ruling out any autoimmune conditions, limiting processed foods and dyes. When neurological symptoms persist, refraining from wheat/gluten may make a big difference.

Best to you on your health journey.

You mention just your hand but you don't mention that you have numbness trailing down the arm from the neck into your hand. This would give us an idea of the dermatome or the pathway of the nerve. Different nerves in the neck (as well as the entire spinal column) will have different pathways, and supply different fingers or surfaces. It is possible that your numbness could be coming from a herniated disc in your neck but there would be other indications as well, weakness, dermatone pathway, lack of ranges of motion, pain on certain compression tests and so on. A differential diagnosis would also be carpal tunnel syndrome (nerve conduction tests), peripheral neuropathy (blood tests for Diabetes even though you say you don't have it etc) repetitive stress syndrome radial head tendonitis (functional testing by your chiropractor) Nerve impingement from the neck or brachial plexus, etc. With regards to MS or other demyelinating diseases, your Chiropactor, and or MD would be able to order an MRI of the brain with contrast if the case history and clinical exam warranted this protocol. If you are on any medications, then a review of these should also be done.However, before extensive and expensive testing is done, you should see a chiropractor for a thorough case history and exam.