Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Symptoms Of Crohn’s

Question:
I have had half a dozen or so episodes of numbness in my arm with visual disturbances over the last 6 months. I have consulted with a neurologist, and am having an MRI done next week. She has told me it is probably migraine and cervical spine problems (strain). Has anyone else with Crohn's had these symptoms?

Answer:
I have temporal lobe epilepsy which has nothing to do with the ibd…and sometimes have some of the symptoms you mentioned...hope you find out what it is and can get something for it. I have CD. Last year I experienced numbness in my arms and legs with muscle spasms all through my body. It lasted 3 weeks. I saw 2 neurologists who could not explain it. Had all the blood tests and CT scan of the brain.  Never got an explanation and it finally went away. Hope it doesn't come back. I have read on Medline that this problem sometimes occurs with CD although my GI Dr. has never experienced that. I was not on Flagyl.  Most responses I got said that was a side effect of Flagyl. Later I was diagnosed with a goiter on my thyroid and have taken thyroid meds since.  Don't know if it was related or not. Good luck.  Let us know what your diagnosis is.  I have seen many posts like this one since my experience. Wonder if it doesn't occur more often than they think. Yes I have those problems too and I have CD. In 96 while I was attempting to work as a waitress I fell at work. Well kind of fell I caught myself before I went all the way down. Anyhow, I had problems with my right leg going numb all the way down to my foot. I went to a neurologist who couldn't find any thing related to the fall and I also had numerous x-rays and CT's nothing. I still have that problem with my leg also my arm now. My arm only went numb at night but now does any time of day. I also suffer from migraines since about 97. The migraines run in my family though. Of course not knowing where my CD came from, I wonder why they had migraines. Just wanted to let you know your not alone. If you find out anything please be sure to post back here. I have Crohn’s and migraines. What kind of visual symptoms do you have? I found out that when I see those little flashing lights, I am having another form of migraine without the pain.  Keep me posted on what happens. I have found that when I am inflamed my bowels seem to push on my spine causing much discomfort. Several years ago, when my Crohn's was very active, I experienced numbness in my right foot. I could press my foot and toes down, but not up, which made walking, and especially driving an interesting experience. My GI suggested a neurologist, but I was uninsured and impecunious at the time. Over a period of about 6 months, I regularly massaged my calf and ankle, particularly on nerve centers (i.e. the spots which created the most tingling). When I say massage, I mean really bearing down on the nerves to get their attention. Gradually, over that time period, the numbness subsided and the motor control returned. It seems to be fine now. Whether or not the massage had anything to do with recovery is anyone’s guess, but what the hell, it may be worth a try. It can me maddeningly frustrating nonetheless. Hmm, well I always described myself as a migraine sufferer until 1 year ago today when I was diagnosed with Crohn's. On of the things I did was to functionally remove all starch products in my diet (per SCD Diet). Well, since then my Crohn's is still around but the migraines have gone away completely.  I can eat a little bread with no problem but if I eat potato or rice I can feel my head starting to act up… Basically, I have not had a migraine in over a year… Sigh, Migraines then Crohn's, out of the pot into the fire.