"Drunk legs" no knee reflex

[Newhealthconditionworried]

Name changed for this - long time MNer - P Beaker etc etc

For ages now I've had a drunk legs situation (totally sober) where I've felt unsafe walking and lost my confidence going on long walks etc

Today finally saw a neurologist who did the usual balance tests (I do have another neurological condition so had a chat about that to see if connected etc and he thought unlikely but was very nonchalant and lighthearted).

He said I passed balance tests with flying colours but said a new mri might be a good idea but just as a passing comment, didn't seem pressed about it and was low key etc.

One thing I noticed was when he did his tests etc was that my knees had no reflex when he did that tap thing and he casually asked if I got backache at all, which I do and I said yes but I have a historic prolapsed disc from years ago so there's a sensitivity there.

So now I'm ruminating over it all and googling no reflex in knees and fearing the worst ....

My DH had no reflexes. He had a sudden drop foot too. He had prolapses discs which were pushing on his spine. I know it’s easy to say but please don’t google!

Look, you've seen a neurologist, who is the very person whose opinions are most worthwhile wrt neurological conditions.

He is organising another MRI but you feel that he was not unduly concerned.

So what good is googling going to do? What help are you looking for from unqualified strangers? what do you think that you're going to find out that the neurologist doesn't know or hasn't considered?

Thankyou for replying

@mauvish I'm just worried, please don't dismiss me - it's taken over a year to get this appointment - things move so slowly so please don't belittle me for reaching out to strangers when I'm concerned

My cousin has Charcot Marie Tooth syndrome. No reflexes in knees and flat feet. Diagnosed in her 50s but present from birth. Her children have not inherited it.

OK, sorry, perhaps I was a bit sharp.

I was actually pretty impressed that you'd managed to see a neurologist, given their waiting times!

You'll know from googling that it could be one of lots of things, some potentially serious but many less so. You need a much bigger picture than just those reflexes to even get together a sensible shortlist of the possibles. I'm sure you'll also appreciate that strangers on the internet can't diagnose you!

But maybe you didn't want that so I apologise, please have a hand hold instead, and I hope your MRI comes around quickly (but I really would take heart if the consultant didn't seem too concerned).

Hope all will be ok @Newhealthconditionworried.

I have a similar worry and just want to know what I'm dealing with. I had an MRI scan this morning but it just seems to take an age before you hear anything and the more time wasted, the more serious it could get is something that continually concerns me. I have numbness and pins and needles over my lower body. I was asked if I had backache (I don't other than the usual aches and pains when not bending correctly etc). Also no knee reflex either.

I really do hope you get answers soon OP.

I don't react to reflex tests in my knees, never have in the 20 years I have been having health assessments at work. I do have arthritis and a connective tissue disorder but nothing sinister, no idea if it's connected. The Drs have never been concerned about lack of reflex. I don't think reflexes alone signify anything, it's only in conjunction with other symptoms they may be indicative.
All the best.

@Frecklespy thanks for replying - hope you get answers soon.

My MRI appointment has come through surprisingly quickly, in a fortnight's time - I thought I'd be in for a long wait for one .... the mri is for head & spine.

The neurologist was unconcerned, which means it’s unlikely to be serious. They see many patients with serious conditions and they know what to look for. You don’t have the hallmarks of the serious neuro diseases, which usually present with weakness as the primary symptom. As a pp said, it could be a spinal problem. You’re not helping yourself by worrying about something that might never happen, in fact you’re making it worse and you risk developing further symptoms caused by anxiety.

@Frecklespy how are you - any news on your MRI?

I've had mine, just waiting now on results.

@Newhealthconditionworried No, I haven't had the results yet. I'm thinking it can't be very serious otherwise surely I would know something by now?! I still have pins and needles in my legs and feet but the groin area does seem to be better than it was. While it may not be as serious as I thought, I would still like to know what it is and why.

I hope you get your results very soon and that you get positive news.