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Epstein Barr Virus....does this mean I have MS?
I went to the dr. today to follow up on my muscle fasciculations and neck and shoulder pain. And we went over all my lab work. My CPR was up and it was positive for Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). Of course I got right on here when I got home to research EBV and it has me scared even more now that I have MS. Who knows anything about the correlation between EBV and MS. I have an appt. with a neurologist next Friday although my dr. does not believe my problems are from MS at all. HELP clarify.
Thank you so much for you reply. I have been driving myself crazy thinking it's MS, when really I have no symptoms. You have relieved some of my paranoia. The anxiety over all of this has taken a huge toll on me and my family.
Alex is totally correct that 98% of people have been infected by EBV. After you have it you will have positive antibodies lifelong. There are some antibodies that are always positive and others that go away a few months after the infection.
The strongest clinical correlation with MS is having the severest form of EBV called mononucleosis. This is a form that causes severe sore throat, swollen neck (and other) lymph nodes, severe fatigue, headache, and often a hepatitis that results in a swollen and tender liver, plus a swollen spleen. It is fairly common in adolescents and young adults. So, it is this later-onset form of EBV that seems to be more associated with developing MS. People with MS are far more likely to have had mononucleosis. However, the VAST MAJORITY of people who have had mononucleosis DO NOT develop MS.
EBV is only one part of the possible triggers for developing MS. Just having the infection or finding antibodies DOES NOT mean you are likely to develop MS. It just seems to be a piece of the puzzle.
Muscle fasciculations especially when they are wide-spread, are NOT a sign of MS. This is important to understand. Widespread fasciculations are more common in things like viral infections. We (people with MS) get fasciculations in specific muscles that are weakened.
Also, the elevated CRP is a clue to look for something other than MS. MS does not elevate the various markers for inflammation. So I hope this helps.
Quix
The strongest clinical correlation with MS is having the severest form of EBV called mononucleosis. This is a form that causes severe sore throat, swollen neck (and other) lymph nodes, severe fatigue, headache, and often a hepatitis that results in a swollen and tender liver, plus a swollen spleen. It is fairly common in adolescents and young adults. So, it is this later-onset form of EBV that seems to be more associated with developing MS. People with MS are far more likely to have had mononucleosis. However, the VAST MAJORITY of people who have had mononucleosis DO NOT develop MS.
EBV is only one part of the possible triggers for developing MS. Just having the infection or finding antibodies DOES NOT mean you are likely to develop MS. It just seems to be a piece of the puzzle.
Muscle fasciculations especially when they are wide-spread, are NOT a sign of MS. This is important to understand. Widespread fasciculations are more common in things like viral infections. We (people with MS) get fasciculations in specific muscles that are weakened.
Also, the elevated CRP is a clue to look for something other than MS. MS does not elevate the various markers for inflammation. So I hope this helps.
Quix
I have no symptoms or feel ill. The dr did ask me if was having a hard time swallowing. So does this mean it's active now?
I had a bad case of EBV when soon after they first thought I had MS. Two months in bed with an enlarged spleen, liver and all glands blown up. I could not talk or swallow when I ate. I was told I just had to let it run its course. The low grade fever was the worst part. I did get a bunch of supplements and really ate a good diet. Drank lots of water to flush it out. I have had no residual problems. No relapses or fatigue and it has been over two years.
I did a lot of research for a treatment since my doctor could do nothing. What I found is it is a very real illness but since it is a virus it has to run its course.
98% of the worlds population has the EBV. Most get it as kids and never know it, just think it is flu.
An MS Specialist giving a talk last week said they are starting to notice some correlation between late onset EBV and MS. He said every few years EBV comes up as a link to MS but again with such a large portion of the worlds population having EBV it could be coincidence.
Good luck,
Alex
I did a lot of research for a treatment since my doctor could do nothing. What I found is it is a very real illness but since it is a virus it has to run its course.
98% of the worlds population has the EBV. Most get it as kids and never know it, just think it is flu.
An MS Specialist giving a talk last week said they are starting to notice some correlation between late onset EBV and MS. He said every few years EBV comes up as a link to MS but again with such a large portion of the worlds population having EBV it could be coincidence.
Good luck,
Alex
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