How do you determine which health issue is causing numbness in my mother's legs?
Answers
It's hard to say, but this isn't a typical symptom of congestive heart failure. Usually with heart failure, you'd have exercise limitations, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs. Since she's not losing consciousness or feeling dizzy or light-headed, it makes things like arrhythmias common with CHF less likely. I'd guess that her spinal stenosis is the likely cause, but I'd need a lot more information to say for sure.
Your mother's doctor should definitely evaluate her. In this case, a physical exam would probably be the most useful thing, to look for evidence of worsening heart failure and neurologic abnormalities in her legs. If the neurologic abnormalities are worse than at her last exam, an MRI of the spine might be indicated to confirm that stenosis is the cause.
I am not sure about heart disease, However I have spinal stenosis and my legs and feet go numb and the tingle all the time. Bottom line though, I would ask her docter exacly what it is comming from on her next visit.
I also have spinal stenosis and I have to use a walker, due to my legs and back hurting so bad and becoming so weak I can't walk any further and I fall. If she doesn't have a walker I'd talk to her doctor And see what he says about prescribing her one. I've been to 3 different neurologists and none of them wanted to operate on my back and said it very likely cause more damage than good.
