Cognitive issues - A flare?

I'm wondering if this recent increase in cognitive issues I'm having is considered a flare-up? It has me concerned.  I have for a while dealt with various forms of brain fog but it seems to really be hitting me hard right now.  One of the earlier post mentioned a site to test Cog. functioning so i took it because of what's going on with me and i got a Very Low mark for Executive Functioing.

I'm also dealing with other symptoms which have increased a bit but not significantly which I would not consider a flare-up.  (it's been hot and more humid than usual for southern california- although I've been hybernating indoors as much as possible).

Are cognitive issues considered a flare-up if it is more or less the only problem at the time and/or does this MS symptom just get worse and stay there? Any ideas/opinions?

Anamaria

Anamaria

[jensequitur]

Honestly, I think your main problem is the heat.  At least it is with me - I do noticeably better if it's cooler.

But if you're still having problems and your body temp is normal, then I would say that it's probably a flareup.  It's up to you and your neurologist whether it qualifies for a steroid treatment.

[Sunnytoday]

Hi there, I would agree with Jen... but talk to your neuro if you feel like it's just overwhelming or you do something that totally uncharacteristic of you ---get lost, drive north instead of south, leave on burners, overflow the bathtub, forget how to spell your name, forget your home number..this is stuff I did when I had a bad flare- but I've been told other's do this "normally" (grin)

...and don't feel to bad about that test.. I think more of us on here blew it than we'd like to admit (I did, big time, around 1%)

It's going to be "ok"
(((((hugs))))))
~Sunnytoday~

[amas]

Thank you both.  I'll try harder to keep track of myself and see what happens.  I've done the usual less concerning cog fog problems such as word recall, forget what your doing when trying to multi task, putting things in the wrong place etc.

These concern me more - In the last week I've taken prescription medications twice because I forgot I had just taken them; while out running errands I forgot where I was going and did not know where to turn; another time I did not recognize a parking lot I was in at one point.  In my car I couldn't find the clock- kept looking at the speedometer over and over again.  I heated up water three times (i think) for tea because I kept forgetting I had already done it.  The one that really bothers me is I forgot to take the exit I needed when going to pick up my son from preschool.  In my mind i was very focused in getting there - I had to keep an eye on the time to leave a meeting early to get there, so i kept track of the time while driving (hoping to get there so I would not be charged for late pickup) and then i forget to exit??  Scary.

Maybe I am in a flare-up because today when I went shopping I actually had to give in to using an electric cart (first time).  My legs couldn't hold me and my hands were tremoring to much to hold myself with the regular cart.  Now I realize that while trying to read what I'm typing, that my vision is hazy and trying to put these words out is difficult!

I've thought about calling my doctor but I don't want to be put on steroids.

Anamaria

[Sunnytoday]

Hmmm... hopefully others will chime in here too..... I know that focusing on cog fog sure won't help, it can only make you more frustrated.

Now that you've identified it, it sounds like you should put in that call to the neurologist. That's only my opinion. I wouldn't ask for the steriods, just describe the situation and definetly the walking difficulty and the vision problems are a top priority. He should recognize the need for help, or give you some suggestions and set up an appt. soon.

Many (((((hugs)))))
Keep in touch, and feel free to msg. me if you need someone to talk to,
~Sunnytoday~

[jensequitur]

It does sound like you're working toward a flare.  When I have a flareup, it doesn't happen all at once, but gets a little worse every day.  (At least that's how it's been so far... we'll see!)

[julia111]

Hi, I do not have MS, but one of the questions the Neurologist at Mayo asked me was if I ever get lost going somewhere where I know I'm going?  

I have always had a pretty good sense of direction - and although I've had severe cognitive disfunction, I have not gotten lost.  

So, I think what you described in your post is most likely related to the MS or some other neurological disorder.  

I hope you are coping ok, it must be difficult.

Best wishes,
Julia

[amas]

Thanks for your responses.

I did get some more symptoms that were new to me like things crawling on me and a fluttering in my ear.  The pain in the legs and arms increased a lot and a couple of times I thought I would fall asleep while walking. And as for all the fumbling and dropping of things I was doing, I just wanted to sit and give up! Thankfully, I'm feeling better these last two days.  Not like before it all started but definatley better.

I did put in a call to my dr.s office and they moved my appt. up to this Friday.  I'm happy with that.

I appreciate you all for being there and listening.  Anamaria

[jensequitur]

Glad you're feeling better!