Brief Symptoms

Heather,

On my "rib cage" post, you mentioned that an MS symptom must last for 24 hours (I think this was the number), but brief episodes might occur alongside lengthy symptoms.  This is where I fear I have not communicated well with my neuro.  

I have many episodic events, but I also have things that are of a longer duration.  My brief episodes tend to be more disturbing to me (inability to move right side, rib spasms, eye discomfort and/or flashes etc.)  

The things that last for days, weeks, and even months have not scared me as much (cognitive issues, tingling in legs, tingling/numbness in face and scalp, odd twitching, burning sensation on feet, fatigue, blurred vision, numb toes, banding sensation around right calf).  

Where do symptoms like right toes "stick" to the ground causing me to trip?  This may happen several times a day for a few weeks and then it stops.  Same thing with dropping things.  Are these considered brief episodes?  Do you have to trip constantly for that to be a symptom?  

Are my symptoms that are of longer duration consistent with MS?  I thought they were, but my neuro seems to focus on the brief events, so I have discounted the other symptoms as irrelevant.  If they are consistent with MS - how can you tell if it is a flare, as I have some symptoms daily????

Hope this makes sense????

Sherry

[Heather3418]

This all makes perfect sense...this is extremely typical of MS.

To tell if you are in a flair-up, you will have symptoms that last longer the 48 hours, sometimes weeks or months...sometimes your symptoms may not totally disappear and you will find that some of the symptoms are left over permanently from your relapse.  This is rare, but in Relapsing/Remitting MS, this is the usually what most people complain about.

You are making PERFECT sense and you understand more than you realize about attacks and remissions....Brief events CAN happen and DO!  Every symptom you are having IS revelant.  Keep track of all of it, so you can share this with your doctor.

I hope you feel better sweetheart,
Heather

[risnerrose]

Would you look up at my symptoms and let me know which ones are relevant to MS?  Do my "long duration" symptoms sound like a flair?

[Heather3418]

I don't think I can give you the answers you really need, as everything you talk about according to symptoms CAN be symptoms of MS or indeed another disorder.  Have you been diagnosed with MS?  Forgive me if you have already had that in a post and I missed it.

If you have been diagnosed, I could help you more with your questions.

As soon as you get back to me, I will look over your symptoms and give you my OPINION...how's that?

Heather
P.S.  Sorry for the length of time in responding...I just got back from the grocery store..

[risnerrose]

I was diagnosed by an inhumane neuro, and opted to consult an MS specialist.  He is "holding off" on a diagnosis, because I present atypically.  I have brain lesions, but no spinal lesions.  I have elevated IgG, but no O-bands.  He referred to the duration of my symptoms, and I fear he focused only on the brief episodes . . . not "hearing" that I have several long-lasting symptoms.  I am now questioning the very symtoms (symptoms) that drove me to the doc to begin with; of course, I am also questioning my MS specialist.  

Sherry  

[Heather3418]

Based on everything I can tell...it seems like you have had an attack with lingering symptoms, just like I have for 13 years.  It's called incomplete recovery.

It seems that many of your symptoms never totally went away.  If I were a Neurologist, I would diagnose you with relapsing/remitting MS, even without lesions in your spine or in the absence of O bands.

ALL of your symptoms are suggestive of MS.  But yes, even though there are people diagnosed with MS, they CAN and DO have symptoms that are not caused by their MS, but mimic MS symptoms.  If that sounds confusing...it is, but it's the best way I can describe it.  It's always dangerous to blame everything that happens to us on MS.  You could have another disorder that overlaps into MS symptoms.

I am sorry that I cannot be more clear cut.  It would probably help you more to go the MS Society Website and look up symptoms and see if you can learn more that what I am able to tell you.

I am sorry that I haven't been of more help.  Some of it's fatigue today, since I have literally been on the forum since early this morning...Hopefully another one of our members can post with some more suggestions and their comments.

[risnerrose]

I thank you so much.  You provided just the reassurance I needed.  

I hope you have a good night's sleep and wake refreshed.

Thanks,
Sherry