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Neurology

Expert answers from Neurology physicians on health concerns and treatment options

Questions & Answers

617 articles

Q

What could it indicate if back pain travels down your leg?

Back pain that travels down the leg might be a sign of sciatica, which is often caused by a problem with the spine.

Q

What might cause back pain that shoots down both legs?

Back pain that shoots down both legs may be caused by sciatica or other nerve-related issues in the lower back.

Q

What might cause pain across the buttocks and down the legs?

Pain across the buttocks and down the legs can be caused by sciatica or lumbar disc degeneration. Rarely, it might also be due to complications from a perianal abscess.

Q

What treatments are available for pain that extends from the buttocks down the leg?

Pain from the buttocks down the leg can be treated with therapies like stretching, medications, and sometimes injections, especially if it's due to piriformis syndrome or sciatica.

Q

Why does sciatica keep recurring?

Sciatica can keep coming back because of changes in the spine and its related structures. Treating the underlying causes can help reduce recurrences.

Q

Could a disturbance in the autonomic nervous system cause lightheadedness and dizziness?

Yes, a disturbance in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) can cause lightheadedness and dizziness. The ANS plays a crucial role in regulating involuntary bodily functions, and dysfunction in this system can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and other related issues.

Q

How does multiple sclerosis contribute to difficulty walking down stairs?

Multiple sclerosis can weaken leg muscles and affect balance, making it harder for people to walk down stairs safely.

Q

How does sciatica lead to struggling with walking, and what can be done about it?

Sciatica occurs when a nerve in your lower back becomes irritated, causing leg pain and weakness that make walking difficult. Treatment options—including physical therapy, medications, and injections—can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Q

What are common causes of walking problems in adults?

Walking problems in adults typically stem from issues affecting the brain, nerves, muscles, joints, or inner ear balance system.

Q

What are potential causes for a sudden inability to walk?

A sudden inability to walk typically results from problems affecting the brain, nerves, muscles, or joints—and requires prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Q

What are the causes of continuous headaches for days?

Continuous headaches lasting for several days can be caused by a variety of factors, including tension-type headaches, migraines, medication overuse, and more serious underlying conditions. Understanding these potential causes is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Q

What are the differences between a waddling gait and a trendelenburg gait?

A Trendelenburg gait results from weakness in one hip muscle, causing the pelvis to drop on the opposite side, while a waddling gait stems from weakness in both hips, leading to a distinctive side-to-side swaying motion while walking.

Q

What are the possible cause of thigh numbness or a tingling pain?

Thigh numbness or tingling pain can result from various causes, including nerve compression, injuries, and underlying medical conditions. Identifying the specific cause is essential for effective treatment and management.

Q

What causes shuffling when walking in the elderly, and how can it be addressed?

Shuffling gait in older adults can stem from age-related changes or medical conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. Treatment options include physical therapy, medical management, and home safety measures.

Q

What could be causing the sensation that I can't walk properly?

There are several reasons why you might feel like you can’t walk properly. It could be related to problems with the brain, nerves, muscles, or joints.

Q

What is the medical definition of an abnormal gait?

“Abnormal gait” is a medical term that describes any walking pattern deviating from the normal sequence of body balance, foot strike, and arm swing.

Q

What medications are primarily used to treat spinocerebellar degeneration? Are there any side effects?

While new treatments are being investigated in clinical trials, there is not yet a FDA-approved cure for spinocerebellar degeneration disease, also known as spinocerebellar ataxia. Rather, treatment is focused on symptom management with medications for things like muscle spasms and maintenance of mobilty with exercise, physical and occupational therapy.

Q

What might cause a sudden inability to walk straight?

A sudden inability to walk straight can stem from problems with balance or muscle control, possibly due to conditions affecting the brain or other body systems.

Q

What might cause me to shuffle my feet when walking, and how can it be corrected?

Shuffling your feet while walking may stem from minor causes like ill-fitting footwear or from more serious coordination and balance issues. Physical therapy and other treatments can help improve your walking pattern.

Q

What symptoms accompany the inability to walk straight?

Difficulty walking in a straight line often occurs alongside other symptoms such as dizziness and frequent falls.

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