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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Confused
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Confused
by ronnin, Dec 08, 2001 12:00AM
Hello, To start I have a vision problem and numbness on the left side of my face,first doctor Sinus, head and eye pressure got worst. Did have a bad head cold, before all this started. Had a CAt scan at hospital (normal). Had an MRI and the result were 1.1cm rounded lesion at the junction of the pons and left middle cerebellar peduncle(brachium pontis). Saw three neros and they dx MS. Want to start me on interferon because of the ON, and my mother has posible ms. I have had fleeting symptoms, like tingling and numbness on the opposite side, my whole head was numb for a day, but from what I read I feel I or they maybe jumping the gun..No weakness or and other definate clinical signs, would you also suggest treatment, and would interferon be okay in someone who may or may not have ms. Or are these lesions telling a story? I am 42 just receieved my dx and must decied on treatment soon. No other problems now execpt eye and face tingles when I cover my good right eye. Mother dx at 45 (1990) no meds..ON and 1 time weakness on left side. I do have a history of allergies and had swelling in various areas for about 10 years now. Mainly the pads of my feet and right thigh, and hands. Current problem has been going on ON/face for about two months now, vision (face)is getting better no meds. Thank You
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Dec 08, 2001 12:00AM
Sorry to hear about your symptoms. If you truly have a history of optic neuritis, focal numbness, and a lesion on your MRI in the location you describe, then it is highly probable that you have MS. (please keep in mind I have not personally examined you nor have I reviewed your films) I can understand your hesitation in starting on long term treatment for a diagnosis that you are not sure about. If you would like further evidence, consider getting a spinal tap to look for immune breakdown products in the fluid.
As for treatment, recent studies have shown that early treatment with betaseron/Avonex reduces rate of relapse, but does not change the overall course of the disease. I highly recommend it for my MS patients as do many of my colleagues here at the clinic. The final decision, of course, is yours. Also, IV steroids should be used to treat your episodes of optic neuritis, NOT oral prednisone. There is a lot of info out there on the internet, some are helpful and some are blatantly wrong. For American Academy of Neurology (AAN) supported material, try these websites:
1. Center for neurologic study: www.cnsonline.org
2. National Multiple Sclerosis society: www.nmss.org
3. MS Assoc of America (MSAA): 1 800 833 4672
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
As for treatment, recent studies have shown that early treatment with betaseron/Avonex reduces rate of relapse, but does not change the overall course of the disease. I highly recommend it for my MS patients as do many of my colleagues here at the clinic. The final decision, of course, is yours. Also, IV steroids should be used to treat your episodes of optic neuritis, NOT oral prednisone. There is a lot of info out there on the internet, some are helpful and some are blatantly wrong. For American Academy of Neurology (AAN) supported material, try these websites:
1. Center for neurologic study: www.cnsonline.org
2. National Multiple Sclerosis society: www.nmss.org
3. MS Assoc of America (MSAA): 1 800 833 4672
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
