I don't have clue but hope that further research with the doctors gives you some idea as to what is going on AnnNY

hugs bill

Decreased reflexes and abnormal EMG are often signs of radiculopathy and may indicate spinal cord compression or major nerve compression.

This syndrome is bad news but other stuff can be worked with
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1148690-overview#a2

Sorry to hear you are having difficulties with your legs, I hope it gets resolved soon! Couldn't be a break down in the mylen shieth of the nervses from SLE Lupus? That would also effect reflexes and weakness of the motor nerves...

Hi Ann,

I have Peripheral Neuropathy from 2 broken vertebrae in my back and past.neck injuries andl t also manifests in no reflexes in my hands and left leg. I think that lack of limb reflexes can be quite common with neck and back injuries. I've just started researcihing this subject because it's kind of new to me. I broke the Vertebrae in my back 6 years ago in a sledding accident, but it's just now starting to give me trouble. So I of course want to know more about it.

I have no reflexes in upper or lower extremities from syringomyelia. The hammer strike causes the nerve signal to go up the spinal cord and back down (that makes the knee jerk). If the signal doesn't go up and come down again, no reflexes.

Have you had an MRI of your spine?

Which kind of imaging would show inflammation? Since I have been on Medicaid they will only do X-rays, although next month I should have my full Medicare lined up. I have pain in the sacrum, lower back, and thoracic area. But I think they would see more with scans.

I also have been short of breath, and I'm wondering if could have something to do with my back.

On the other hand, I do have antibodies that attack mylen, but again, perhaps they would see what's what if I could get them to scan my back.

I'm not sure about radiculopathy, since I started having these neuro symptoms back in the 80s which improved with lupus treatment.

Thanks for your answers.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) shows soft tissues really well, and can see inflammation. Since my problem is inside my spinal cord, I've had MRI's periodically. I can't have them any more because of my SCS, but the pain relief the SCS gives me is worth the trade-off.

Gentle hugs dear.

Thanks for the info Keeska. I'm glad you are feeling better with the SCS.

I asked one back doctor if I could have an exo-skelaton.

I would think a nerve biopsy might indicate if the SLE Lupus is breaking down the mylen sheath.

Now that I'm off Medicaid I can get a bit more extensive testing.

Exoskeleton...good one Ann.

As Keeska said, an MRI would be the only imaging choice. Xrays are for bone, CT's are for bone, brain abnormalities, organ abnormalities, free fluids, etc.,

Hope you can get the testing you need and get answers that you need, I know how frustrating this can be/is.