Question
Could cervical spinal stenosis elicit a symptom similar to a TIA - a moment of confusion and slurred words?  No other tests show a stroke occurred (MRI of brain, carotid US, MRA, EKG, etc.) Only possibly vertigo and now an appoint. with a Neurologist is next month, but I'm thinking an MRI of his cervical column needs to be done because xrays in previous years from neck pain has shown DDD and natural cervical vertebral fusion has occurred over the years.  My husband is now 55 and was a competetive high school wrestler and has had neck pain for years and years.  Now symptoms of bilateral numbness and weakness in his upper and lower extremities is a daily symptom - worse in the morning, almost a feeling of "being drunk" as he puts it.  The neurologist might rule out other things we hope, like MS or whatever, but the only symptom that is not making sense is the moment of confusion.  We were at a high altitude when that happened (AZ, approx. 5000 ft and his BP was high when we returned and meds have been adjusted) but his overall health is perfect - never smoked, eats well, blood work normal.  We even ruled out lead poisoning because some of those symptoms seemed similar.  So again, could pinching on nerves caused by cervical spinal stenosis cause that lapse?

Answer
Hello Ann,


I am sorry to hear of your husband's complaints.

"....Could cervical spinal stenosis elicit a symptom similar to a TIA - a moment of confusion and slurred words?...."
I do not think so.  Further Neurologic Consult is an excellent avenue.

We do have different specialties in Chiropractic.  Just as medical doctors have additional credentials and specialties, so do chiropractic doctors.  For chiropractic credentials see:  
http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf  
Perhaps a visit to a chiropractic neurologist could give you a neurological and chiropractic perspective on this complaint.

".....My husband is now 55 ....", being of similar age, I consider that VERY young.  

With or without a stroke or TIA history,,, your husband should see the Doctor of Chiropractic for your other symptoms: "....neck pain... DDD and natural cervical vertebral fusion has occurred over the years.... competetive high school wrestler ... had neck pain for years and years.....  Now symptoms of bilateral numbness and weakness in his upper and lower extremities is a daily symptom - worse in the morning, almost a feeling of "being drunk"...."; given this list I am sure you are under a regimen of chiropractic.  If not under chiropractic care ,,, I would recommend it.

".... and meds have been adjusted... but his overall health is perfect ....",  I am sorry, I must have lost something,,,
his overall health is perfect but he takes medications?  I am at a loss here.  We do not take medications when healthy.  Please see:
http://www.who.int/about/definition/en/print.html  

""""""""""""""WHO definition of Health

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

The correct bibliographic citation for the definition is:

Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948.

The Definition has not been amended since 1948."""""""""""

MS does not cause confusion over other symptoms as far as I know.

You mention "Vertigo", if that is a concern, I would recommend getting a book and visiting this website:
http://www.lifechangingcare.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Medications-Treatment-Dizziness-Fibromyalgia-Conditions/dp...

I do hope you view these:

Chiropractic Safety
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11VN2sGMdbI

Chiropractic works
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s68Yr38-lAQ&NR=1

As a nurse, interesting case history for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiOtb6yM_ow&NR=1

Myths:
http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/media/strokemyth.htm



If you need further info, do not hesitate to recontact me here at:
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm



Thank You, Good Luck.

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
Email NewsLetter: http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com