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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Are these MS Symptoms
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Are these MS Symptoms
by JMSS, Sep 09, 2006 12:00AM
I am a 40 year old male living in the Midwest. 24 months ago I had the same symptoms I am going to describe. They lasted for 10 to 12 months then subsided. During that time I saw a local neurologist and two at the University of Chicago. Test’s that were run back in 2004 included MRI with contrast of brain, MRI of cspine, EEG, EMG two different times both by local neurologist and by University of Chicago on legs and right arm, various blood tests for Lyme and electrolytes. Reflexes were normal. All tests were completely normal. They concluded it was stress and anxiety. I exercise every day usually running 3 miles or biking 8 miles. Over the past weekend my symptoms returned after very strenuous work outside and little sleep.
Here are my symptoms. Right top of foot feels like it partially falling asleep. Lower right ankle and leg feel weak. I can still walk fine and exercise. Right hand ring and pinky finger feel the same way. Right arm and shoulder feel weak but have no problems with any activity. I can type, write, do yard work etc… fine. Right eye feels slightly irritated like it is dry with slight pain. No problems with blurred vision, spots or reading. Random sharp pins and needles feeling that moves around my body. They only last a few seconds at a time. They can be on my foot one minute then on my face the next. I have had a dull headache that comes and goes. Does this sound like MS? or my anxiety thinking I have MS? Thank you for your time.
Here are my symptoms. Right top of foot feels like it partially falling asleep. Lower right ankle and leg feel weak. I can still walk fine and exercise. Right hand ring and pinky finger feel the same way. Right arm and shoulder feel weak but have no problems with any activity. I can type, write, do yard work etc… fine. Right eye feels slightly irritated like it is dry with slight pain. No problems with blurred vision, spots or reading. Random sharp pins and needles feeling that moves around my body. They only last a few seconds at a time. They can be on my foot one minute then on my face the next. I have had a dull headache that comes and goes. Does this sound like MS? or my anxiety thinking I have MS? Thank you for your time.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Sep 11, 2006 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
The symptoms you describe are non-specific and can represent any number of potential diagnoses. The fact that you had a decent workup in 2004 is encouraging. However, certain tests are limited in their scope due to the time window (for example: EEG only detects seizures if you have one while connected to the EEG, or if you have inter-ictal(between seizure) spikes). The symptoms of Right sode of the body paresthesias (weird feelings/often tingly) with a subjective feeling of weakness can be a sign of Left parietal dysfunction. The feeling of random pains and headaches could be related to tension, migraine, tumor (although your previous negative MRI makes this less likely), or other stucutral abnormality. Your symptoms could occur in MS, but are more likely due to something else. A diagnosis of stress/anxiety is only given as a diagnosis of exclusion, after all possible tests are complete, but can be treated empirically with anti-depressants to monitor for improvement.
I would recommend that you get a lumbar puncture to assess for inflammation (tourtelotte panel/IgG index, oligoclonal bands) and evoked potentials (visual and somatosensory) to complete your MS workup. I would also be in favor of repeating your MRI of the brain and c-spine with contrast. A repeat EEG may also be helpful, especially if you are having your symptoms while getting the EEG. Starting a migraine prophylaxis medication such as Elavil, Topamax or Nadolol may also be helpful for your headaches and to evaluate if your right body symtoms are related to headaches (migraine equivalents).
I hope this has been helpful.
The symptoms you describe are non-specific and can represent any number of potential diagnoses. The fact that you had a decent workup in 2004 is encouraging. However, certain tests are limited in their scope due to the time window (for example: EEG only detects seizures if you have one while connected to the EEG, or if you have inter-ictal(between seizure) spikes). The symptoms of Right sode of the body paresthesias (weird feelings/often tingly) with a subjective feeling of weakness can be a sign of Left parietal dysfunction. The feeling of random pains and headaches could be related to tension, migraine, tumor (although your previous negative MRI makes this less likely), or other stucutral abnormality. Your symptoms could occur in MS, but are more likely due to something else. A diagnosis of stress/anxiety is only given as a diagnosis of exclusion, after all possible tests are complete, but can be treated empirically with anti-depressants to monitor for improvement.
I would recommend that you get a lumbar puncture to assess for inflammation (tourtelotte panel/IgG index, oligoclonal bands) and evoked potentials (visual and somatosensory) to complete your MS workup. I would also be in favor of repeating your MRI of the brain and c-spine with contrast. A repeat EEG may also be helpful, especially if you are having your symptoms while getting the EEG. Starting a migraine prophylaxis medication such as Elavil, Topamax or Nadolol may also be helpful for your headaches and to evaluate if your right body symtoms are related to headaches (migraine equivalents).
I hope this has been helpful.
Well you sound very familar as I have had these symptoms now for two years.
I have had every test possible done for MS...including a lumbar puncture and nothing has ever showed. From what I have learned i would agree with the last post in that you do not sound like MS.
I to used to exercise a lot but unlike you can no longer do so. When i got sick i was trainning for a half marathon.
My story, long story short, is I have been given a clinical diagnosis of Lyme and have started treatment. In my opinion you do sound like Lyme is a possibility.
If you want some information on it feel free to email me. Lyme is very contraversial but worth looking into. Heres my email address. ***@****
Good luck,
Lesley