Hi everyone,
I'm writing because I'm scared for my dad (59 y/o) based on some symptoms he's having. We live in a rural area and access to tests/specialists has been really slow. Here's a summary:
1. Began experiencing (according to him) some minor right foot drop in July
2. In February, notices foot drop affects walking and goes to primary care
3. Exam by PCP finds no symptoms other than the foot drop
3. Early March, MRI of back normal (some narrowing of spinal column (?) but not enough to be symptomatic)
4. Early March, bloodwork normal
5. Late March, physical therapy started while waiting for EMG. Physical therapist notes visible difference in muscle tone in the calf and Achilles of the leg with foot drop.
6. EMG was done today. Neuro didn't say anything to him except that his muscles in the right leg are weak, and that the nerve signal is slowing down somewhere around the knee in that muscle that lifts the foot. Also suggested to stop any repetitive motions such as kneeling for prolonged periods or crossing his legs.
As far as my dad is saying and the PCP identified, he doesn't have anything else going on--no other weakness, no pain, no twitches. No other symptoms anyone has noted. No one seems concerned so far but I am scared especially now to hear about the "slowed signal" in that leg. I just...I'm worried and want to be prepared to ask questions and get my dad what he needs as far as next steps.
I'm writing because I'm scared for my dad (59 y/o) based on some symptoms he's having. We live in a rural area and access to tests/specialists has been really slow. Here's a summary:
1. Began experiencing (according to him) some minor right foot drop in July
2. In February, notices foot drop affects walking and goes to primary care
3. Exam by PCP finds no symptoms other than the foot drop
3. Early March, MRI of back normal (some narrowing of spinal column (?) but not enough to be symptomatic)
4. Early March, bloodwork normal
5. Late March, physical therapy started while waiting for EMG. Physical therapist notes visible difference in muscle tone in the calf and Achilles of the leg with foot drop.
6. EMG was done today. Neuro didn't say anything to him except that his muscles in the right leg are weak, and that the nerve signal is slowing down somewhere around the knee in that muscle that lifts the foot. Also suggested to stop any repetitive motions such as kneeling for prolonged periods or crossing his legs.
As far as my dad is saying and the PCP identified, he doesn't have anything else going on--no other weakness, no pain, no twitches. No other symptoms anyone has noted. No one seems concerned so far but I am scared especially now to hear about the "slowed signal" in that leg. I just...I'm worried and want to be prepared to ask questions and get my dad what he needs as far as next steps.