Symptom 7: Numbness or Weakness
Witnessing a child complain about unusual sensations, like numbness or weakness in their limbs, can be concerning for parents. At first, one might think it’s just a result of sitting in one position for too long or maybe fatigue from playing. However, when these complaints become recurrent, they warrant attention. In the context of RMS, these symptoms can indicate the tumor’s presence near nerve pathways.
The child might express that a part of their body feels “asleep,” or they might have difficulty gripping objects. Simple tasks like holding a pencil or tying their shoelaces might become challenging. These symptoms can stem from the tumor compressing nearby nerves, disrupting their normal function.
Understanding the nuances of these complaints is crucial. For instance, is the numbness more pronounced at a particular time of day? Is the weakness limiting particular movements? Answering these questions can narrow down the affected nerve pathways, offering valuable diagnostic insights. (7)
