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Need MS clarification and 'advice'
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MedHelp Member's Question

Need MS clarification and 'advice'

by SRWM, Jun 21, 2005 12:00AM
I need a little guidance. I recently went to a neurologist because of some MS symptoms and an MRI report that said, "...a few small areas of intense T2 periventricular signal noted. The number of small lesions precludes exclusion of a nonspecific entity rather than deep white matter demyelinization less likely small vessel ischemic disease as well as underlying systemic illness with vasculitis." and "IMPRESSION: ...evidence of a few abnormal foci of abnormal periventricular white matter signal differential including deep white matter demyelinization/MS as well as small ischemic disease less likely etiology as discussed. No intracranial mass or mass effect." My symptoms include: patches of numbness on both legs (not complete, just reduced sensitivity and around my right eye and into my face, strong pain behind my eyes and particularly my right eye, muscle twitching all over, periods of deep pain down my entire right arm and numb-like sensation without total loss of feeling, involuntary jerking of various muscles/limbs especially when relaxed, strong tingling in both legs and arms, arm/leg muscles that feel weak after some exertion (like holding a book for a brief period of time), a light degree of clumsiness such as bumping into things not quite touching things I'm aiming for unless I'm really paying attention, and headaches, especially in the morning. I have no history of migraines, high blood pressure, strokes, heart problems etc. The neurologist said MS "wasn't likely" come back in 6 months. He said he couldn't explain the symptoms, though. Does this seem like MS or not?
Doctor's Answer

by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Jun 24, 2005 12:00AM
I cannot comment specifically on the MRI without seeing it myself. White matter hyperintensities are realtively common especially as one gets older. THey can be caused by MS, hypertension, mini-strokes, migraine and less commonly from vasculitis. The pattern and location can give a slue as to the specific cause. They often do not correlate with symptoms though and often are assocaited with no symptoms at all. Your symptoms are quite non-speciifc for a localized area of the neurologic system, and many of them could be attributed to non-neurologic causes, so this does not help in the diagnosis of MS.



Other testing can confirm or refute the diagnosis of MS such as evoked potential studies of vision and peripheral nerves, spinal fluid analysis and MRI scan of the cervical spine. Another very important tool in the diagnosis of MS is time, and observation of how you are doing and any change in your exam or scans over time - this seems to be what your doctor is doing
Member Comments (9)

by lchelsemom, Jun 21, 2005 12:00AM
To: SRWM
You might want to read some of the other comments from those of us in a simliar situation.  If you have not had a B12 test, you might want to have that done.



Linda

by Serenity1114, Jun 22, 2005 12:00AM
I'm sorry your not feeling well. I know how you feel. seemingly, I have been experiencing the SAME symptoms as you are with some others you haven't mentioned. I was just told by my Neuro. that he doesn't want to name the "elephant" (MS) in the room yet and that he'll order a repeat MRI in 6 months. I had one in Feb. because my eyes seemed to be "rocking" back and forth. The results, from what I understand, showed none specific lesions in the white matter. An ENT also diagnosed me with "Downbeat Nystagmus" (eyes)which has to do with the brain stem (I don't understand it all nor do I know the implications. Apparently, this nystagmus is a sign of MS. After reading about the B12, I am going to ask my primary care to run some blood work.

I too am very frustrated, scared, etc. about waiting for 6 months. 6 additional months will make it just about a year since symptoms started. For right now, my worst symptoms are the dizziness and limb weakness. (By the way I am 38yrs. old)



I've gone thru the lumbar puncture (neg), SERS & VERS (abnormal)

ENG (abnormal) so something is wrong-I just wished they would NAME IT and atleast I can have my breakdown, then pull up my boots, and deal!



I have an appt. with a Neuro Opthamilogist on the 29th for the Nystagmus thing (again don't know what this implicates)I suppose I may understand more at this time. I HOPE!



My prayers are with you and you are not in this alone.

Feel free to email me direct @ ***@****



Take Care

by Aruba417, Jun 22, 2005 12:00AM
I also have had some unsettling results from an MRI. I was told that I had very small "spots" on my brain. Here is my history: I am 23 and my dad has had MS for about 16 years. My uncle (my mom's brother), was diagnosed with MS last year. So now, it seems, it's on both sides of the family. Well, a few years ago I had what doctors diagnosed as a panic attack. Then they became more frequent and I was put on medication. I have since had numerous occasions when I have felt tingling on my face, arms, and legs, and eyes. I've also had muscle twitching and headaches and pain down my arms and chest. I'm having heart palpitations and am now having that checked out as well. It took 3 years of all this before I was finally referred a doctor other than a psychiatrist. So I was sent to a neurologist. He is very familiar with MS since he is my dad's doctor. He says he's not sure what the spots are, but also wants to wait 6 months to a year, unless my symptoms worsen. He says that the spots don't have the same "pattern" that MS has, but that he's concerned enough to keep an eye on this. I have no idea what's going on. But I am nervous as well. And while I wish none of us was going through this, I'm glad I'm not alone.

by shakka, Jun 27, 2005 12:00AM
i am a 36 year old woman experiencing nubness tingling and loss of strenghth in my left hand. my mothers aunt had ms and i am scared that i do too. symptoms for three weeks. please help!

by Tone37, Jul 04, 2005 12:00AM
I am a 37 yr old female searching for an answer/diagnosis.  Started MS symptoms 5yrs ago with weakened r/arm to the point that I could barely lift it for a period of about 3 weeks at a time (happened approx 2 x per yr), numbness and tingling to the right side of face, headaches and fatigue.  Had brain MRI and was given the all clear.  Symptoms flared up over the past 5 years although recently I've had a bout of optic neuritis in my right eye along with extreme fatigue where I can barely do any normal day to day activities (been off work for 6 months) along with my continued r/arm problem.  I've noticed weakness in my right leg when climbing stairs or walking any distance where it feels like my leg is going to buckle on me.  Now I'm back to the neuro once again.  A further brain MRI showed all clear, however after a physical neuro exam, the neuro told me that I have Babinski's reflex in my right toe/foot and this could indicate something wrong with my spine.  I'm waiting to have a spinal MRI along with evoked potential testing.  My question is this - what are the odds, given my symptoms and a clean brain MRI that they will find something in my spine?  How common is it among MS sufferers to have nothing show in the brain, but show up on the spine?  Could this be something other than MS?  And lastly, does babinski's reflex indicate a definate lesion?  I am at the end of my rope and extremely frustrated to the point where I just want to know so that I can move on and deal with this - if this is what I have......

by abcwangfoo, Jul 05, 2005 12:00AM
Iam,new&had trouble posting,so,thought I start here.

Since last yr. had finger numbness&tingling.Dr xrayed neck,said throatic outlet syn.Born with extra rib in neck.I,then went&had EMG,done;told Ulnar nerve entrapment at elbow.Then,I had