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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Anxiety, MS, or what? Very worried!!
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Anxiety, MS, or what? Very worried!!
by Jenny Wren, Sep 22, 2006 12:00AM
Back in 2000, I suffered what I believed to be a anxiety attack, it left me with 3 months of nausea, because of not eating and no appetite I would assume that is why it lasted so long. Spring of 2001, still a little nauseaded, looking up nausea on the internet, MS came up as one of the reasons. This is where my life turned upside down, my gram had MS, diagnosed at age 60, as you can see from my previous posts, I'm concerned. I had the migraines before the anxiety, but when googling nausea and MS, came across the facial tingling (MS), shortly I developed the little bug crawling sensations, and I so have muscle twitches, seems worse when its cold. I have never experienced weakness, numbness, bladder or bowel problems, I can tolerate heat. I tried Prozac for about 3 years, it never took these feelings away, just recently started xanax, this helps a good bit, but not completely. I have had these feelings for 6 years, thats why the doc ordered the brain MRI, he wasn't convinced that it was MS, just anxiety. So you see this is the reason for all my questions. Can anxiety really cause these weird feelings? I live everyday worrying about MS. After 6 years with no worsening of symptoms (sometimes better), do you think it could be safe to say its "psychological?" Never had the cervical MRI, just brain, neuro exam-normal, no problem there,bloodwork fine, was tested for Lyme (ELISA), my fear now after reading all these posts from Lyme patients is that maybe this could be my problem. Thanks for your time, patience, and thoughts, they are greatly appreciated. 3 previous posts!!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Sep 25, 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.
From the symptoms and story you present this time and the previous 3 times, it is clear that you have a lot of anxiety. Our job as neurologists is to identify possible organic disease that is surrounded by anxiety, or to demonstrate that no disease exists and that anxiety is the primary problem.
As I have shared in the past I do not think you have MS (multiple sclerosis), but I recommended completing your workup with a C-spine MRI and a lumbar puncture. You should answer the questions and stop worrying about it.
I also doubt that you have Lyme disease, from the symptoms that you have described. A western blot and PCR for lyme, and a SPECT scan would complete your lyme workup.
I have discussed the concepts of migraine headaches with you in the 3 previous posts (which you do have). My advice remains the same, I would start a migraine preventative medication. I would recommend that you find a neurologist that you can trust to put you mind at ease about these various conditions.
I hope this has been helpful.
From the symptoms and story you present this time and the previous 3 times, it is clear that you have a lot of anxiety. Our job as neurologists is to identify possible organic disease that is surrounded by anxiety, or to demonstrate that no disease exists and that anxiety is the primary problem.
As I have shared in the past I do not think you have MS (multiple sclerosis), but I recommended completing your workup with a C-spine MRI and a lumbar puncture. You should answer the questions and stop worrying about it.
I also doubt that you have Lyme disease, from the symptoms that you have described. A western blot and PCR for lyme, and a SPECT scan would complete your lyme workup.
I have discussed the concepts of migraine headaches with you in the 3 previous posts (which you do have). My advice remains the same, I would start a migraine preventative medication. I would recommend that you find a neurologist that you can trust to put you mind at ease about these various conditions.
I hope this has been helpful.
As for the limit being only 2 in 6 months...does seem "stiff."
Having said that, it's always good to leave room for others to post, agreed.
There is a form of anxiety called: Health anxiety. Those who suffer it and from I understand, tend to be compulsive as well.
As for muscle twitching/weakness (<---from muscles always being tense)-anxiety can cause this too. Magnesium is a thought as well.
http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium.asp
http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12.asp
Vitamin deficiencies (in general) can cause many problems. If you are not taking a good multi-vit w/minerals...I would suggest that you do so.
Google symptom and vitamin deficiency-should give you an idea of how much vitamins or the lack thereof can influence general health.
Good luck.
User agreements, admittedly, are something I have never paid close attention to. You are forgiven.;-D
sorry for your problems. Sounds like you have stressed yourself into knots. I know from experience that Stomach problems are often a symptom of anxiety. But the muscle twitches can really be scary and annoying. I have had twitches for almost a year now and it's driving me crazy too. I swore I have MS due to the twitching and tingling and "perceived" muscle weakness but, I've seen the neuro twice and he is now telling me that twitches are not usually a presenting symptom of MS and I should not worry. He says many people suffer from similar twitches and tingling and they are just benign in nature and can also be a symptom of anxiety. I do not think this is my problem, but it sounds pretty right on for yours.
I know its hard for even me to believe, but try to relax for a change and take some b-12 and magnesium. Also, a big glass of wine makes me feel better sometimes, it can really take the edge off the twitching.
The reason I chose this vitamin (other than obvious) is due to "daily value". 100% RDA is minimal, in my opinion. YET the mega vitamins worry me. Particularly those with high A, D, & E in them. The reason being, is that our bodies store these vitamins up. One can overdose on vitamins.
Occasionally, I do supplement my MV when I think I need more of one, such as Magnesium (as of late). If I am sick with cold, I may boost my C and Zinc. Most often, I just take my good MV alone.
How do you guys even post ? I am on the west coast and have no clue w