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Neurology (Expert Forum)
HASHIMOTO ENCEPHALITIS
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
HASHIMOTO ENCEPHALITIS
by beckylilly, Jun 21, 2002 12:00AM
Early 2001 I woke up unable to breath. It was as though the air had expelled from my lungs and I could not get it back. It was not sleep apnea. The doctors were puzzled. Mid 2001 I began experiencing cognitive and attention problems. I could not "find the right words" and had a hard time paying attention. Summer 2001 I went numb from my chest to my toes - arms were last. I was diagnosed with benign MS. My brain MRI showed a few lesions and I also had a herniated disc that resulted in a large plaque (lesion). They decided I had two episodes of MS based on the MRI. My spinal tap was negative with no banding. They placed me on beta seron. My diagnosis was possible MS and partial transmyelopathy. Spring 2002 I continue to have breathing problems when I sleep. It is as though my throat is closed off. I consulted a doctor and he has tested me for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I will get the results next week.
Question: could I have been misdiagnosed with MS and actually have Hashimoto's encephalitis?
If I have MS it is very mild. I have never suffered and when I had a problem last year it was all sense related - I did not have any muscle problems or loss of strength. I was just numb. I am still not as sharp as I used to be. It takes me longer to find a word or recall a subject. I now write things down when i need to remember - just in case. If there is a possibility this could be Hashimoto Enc. I would like to be tested and taken off the beta seron. I do not know if there is a specialist in Michigan that knows about H.E.
Question: could I have been misdiagnosed with MS and actually have Hashimoto's encephalitis?
If I have MS it is very mild. I have never suffered and when I had a problem last year it was all sense related - I did not have any muscle problems or loss of strength. I was just numb. I am still not as sharp as I used to be. It takes me longer to find a word or recall a subject. I now write things down when i need to remember - just in case. If there is a possibility this could be Hashimoto Enc. I would like to be tested and taken off the beta seron. I do not know if there is a specialist in Michigan that knows about H.E.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Jun 21, 2002 12:00AM
Please keep in mind that an accurate medical diagnosis cannot be provided as I have not personally examined you nor reviewed your history and workup. However, it's safe to say that it is very unlikely that you have Hashimoto's encephalitis as this presents with severe, progressive neurological signs/symptoms over a period of weeks that in many cases culminates in a decreased state of consciousness, not just some problems with confusion and attention. Many of these people are in a near comatose state, with seizures, myoclonus, dementia, and psychosis as part of the picture. ANd of course, the thyroid levels are abnormal.
In contrast, your symptoms have been going on for quite some time and do not appear to include the profound neurological deficits I mentioned above. If you are unsure of the diagnosis of MS, other testing can be done to confirm it such as evoked potentials and a special tourtellote's study done on the CSF that measures immune system products. Blood studies for lupus, B12, and other autoimmune diseases such as lyme and sarcoids can also be considered depending on the clinical suspicion for other diseases. Unfortunately, MS in itself is well known to cause cognitive disturbances. Talk to your doctors about your questioning the diagnosis and have them explain what they're thinking is. If you are still unsure, consider a second opinion at a major academic center. Here at the Cleveland Clinic, we have the Mellen Center which is a specialized comprehensive clinic for MS patients with experts in the field who can help you figure things out if you are nearby. Good luck
In contrast, your symptoms have been going on for quite some time and do not appear to include the profound neurological deficits I mentioned above. If you are unsure of the diagnosis of MS, other testing can be done to confirm it such as evoked potentials and a special tourtellote's study done on the CSF that measures immune system products. Blood studies for lupus, B12, and other autoimmune diseases such as lyme and sarcoids can also be considered depending on the clinical suspicion for other diseases. Unfortunately, MS in itself is well known to cause cognitive disturbances. Talk to your doctors about your questioning the diagnosis and have them explain what they're thinking is. If you are still unsure, consider a second opinion at a major academic center. Here at the Cleveland Clinic, we have the Mellen Center which is a specialized comprehensive clinic for MS patients with experts in the field who can help you figure things out if you are nearby. Good luck
I sincerely suggest you await feedback from the medical professionals who are attending to you. If you seek conversations with others, I hope you will stop by Encephalitis Global.
Wendy - encephalitis survivor
Vancouver Canada