diagnosising ms

[tntwill]

Firstof all about 2 months ago my left side of my face went numb also my left arm. I went to my family doctor who took me straight to the ER they ran test thinking I had a stroke and sd it was not but thought it was bels palsy.I started having numbness in hands,legs and feet so she sent me to Neurologist who ordered a mri of my brain and spine,they were normal. I have more symptoms of ms and now have realized that I have for a few years but did not think anything of it. The neurologist I went to acts like I am crazy and says he just does not know what to tell me. So I have made appointment with a neuro who specializes in ms. What I want to know is it possible to have ms and it not show lesions on the mri?

[Kcates65]

Hi there,  I'm somewhat in the same boat.  I've had multiple symptoms that are consistent with a MS diagnosis but my neuro spends no more than 60 seconds in the room with me.  I've just posted a new topic similar to yours.  A few more symptoms.  I'm going to add both of ours to the watch list and see what they say.

I wish you luck in getting your answers.  I know how frustrating it is to KNOW something isn't right but have the Dr. blow you off.  Take care!

[Quixotic1]

I just saw that you never recieved an answer from the doctor.

The simple answer to your question is, "Yes,"  it is possible, though unusual to have MS with a normal MRI.  

I invite you both (Kcates65) to join us on the MS Forum.  We embrace ALL who have the diagnosis of MS brush their lives, even if it is just concern.  The undiagnosed outnumber the people with an MS diagnosis by 4 to 3.  We have some very bright scientists and people over there to help with questions.

Quix

[fdmh]

I'm new to the forum.  The info so far is great.  It's hard not to be anxious with so much information available.  Here's my story.  Last summer I had an episode of some left eye flickering, followed soon by left hand numbness.  Didn't last long (10-15 minutes).  In January it happened again, and included the left side my of my lips.  Lasted about 20 minutes accutely but felt weird all day.  Head MRI showed 7-8 small lesions, periventricular white matter bilaterally, non specific.  Rec'd 3-6 month repeat.  My grandpa had MS.  Neurologist read the MRI and was "unimpressed".  She didn't see nearly the concerns that the radiologist saw.  Negative visual field test and EEG of left arm.  She stated my sx don't last as long as typical MS, but she can't explain so she is going to send me to another neurologist that specializes more in MS.  Should I demand more than just another head MRI.  The first was done on a T3 and the lesions didn't enhance.  I'm very paranoid, waiting for the next episode.  I would say that for approx 6 weeks before the second episode my left hand, 4th and 5th fingers would get numb very easily, but never lasted long.

[luv2beoutdoor]

I am 32 and I have been having strange symptoms for a little over two years now.  I also have a grandmother diagnosed with MS and has been completely immobile many years and in a nursing home because she needs round the clock care.  My mother also has 2 other auto-immune diseases (which I'm told MS is also a auto-immune disease).  My symptoms are mostly involving my left side.  It started with my left hand and sometimes involves my right hand but never together.  My hand will suddenly get in what I call a "claw" position and will stay that way for several minutes.  Over the past two years the "claw" symptom stays longer and longer but still never last for more than 15 minutes each episode.  The major episodes are always at least a month apart, but when I have an episode, my hand will often feel strange for the rest of the day and sometimes for several days after.  I also get lots of numbness and tingling in my left hand for no reason (for instance, I'm not leaning on it or anything to make it go to sleep).  A few months ago, I also had an episode with my left leg.  It felt very heavy and felt like I couldn't straighten it out so that I could walk normally.  I also felt like a tight band was around my leg just below the knee.  This feeling lasted for several days and it was exhausting to walk.  Because of these symptoms and my grandmother's MS, my mom urged me to see a dr for this.  He sent me to get leg and arm EMG's and nerve conduction test and when those came back normal he sent me for a brain MRI.  This came back with no visible lesions.  He also had my blood tested for everything under the sun....lyme disease, arthritis, peripheral neuropothy, and many other things.  Everything has come back normal and I am getting frustrated.  All he can say is that we may never know what it is and that if it is MS, that it may take more time for any lesions to show up.  What is my next course of action?  These symptoms are driving me crazy and I'm wondering if this really is MS and it just can't be seen yet.  I also wonder if I'm having any other MS symptoms and just don't know it yet.  I've been reading about MS and there are some things that I read and say...hey, I've had that before such as sharp head pains ( which I get every 3 months or so and always thought it was a kind of headache), vertigo (significant episodes over the past 4 years), and cataracts in my eyes.  I was told this at age 26 and no family history of this.  Can anyone help me with this and point me in the right direction?  

Thanks

[Garciamom]

A related discussion, 4 abnormal MRIs was started.

[HouseM_D]

A related discussion, Is MS a possibility here? was started.

[mikey1974]

A related discussion, luv2beoutdoor was started.