Tingling MS

[tmkls]

I am 47 yo male and for the past 6-7 weeks have been experiencing tingling sensations in hands/arms, feet/legs and elsewhere. Googling, of course, immediatetly brings up the prospect of MS. I have not noticed any other neurological symptoms (though I do seem to have finally developed a need for reading glasses -- something everyone else in my family need by the age of 30). From some things I have read this is a unlikely presentation for MS (i.e., sudden onset of tingling all over as opposed to one side of the body). I have also read that MS usually (but not always) presents itself earlier in life (i.e., between 20 and 40) and is 2-3 times more likely in women than men. In the absence of some other indicator (e.g., optic neuritis), I am assuming (hoping) there is some other explanation.

I would also add that a few weeks before the tingling began I started taking an ACE inhibitor for a mild case of high blood pressure and the dosage was doubled just days before the tingling started.

[Lulu54]

Hi tmkls, Welcome to the MS forum here.  You have done a very good job of researching MS and coming to the understanding that what you are experiencing probably is NOT MS.   The tingling ALL OVER is the big clue here.

Your ACE inhibitor could be the culprit.  Or it could be something else entirely.  Even a lingering virus in your system can cause those types of symptoms.  

My feeling is if you can stand the tingling, wait this out for a while and see how it plays out.  If it continues, be sure and talk to your doctor.

As for your age, I was dx'd with MS at 54.  You are outside the average age and sex, but not really all that unusual either.  

We're here if you have any specific questions you want addressed.

be well,
Lulu

[Zacksmomi]

Hello and welcome,
I agree with Lulu, it does not sound like MS, but don't let the average statistics rule it out.

Try B12 supplements.   they cured my Mom's boyfriend's neuropathy (pins and needles, tingling) in his feet that no Dr could explain.

Taking it won't hurt you (of course check with your Dr since you are on other meds) but it certainly could help you.  

Wishing you the best
D

[tmkls]

Thanks for the responses. I can stand the tingling....when I am busy and doing things I almost never even notice anything. It is very mild. It does not interfere with activity or sleep. I tend to sense it when I am sitting around doing nothing (and, thus, wondering if I will feel anything).

My doctor has changed by BP medicine from lisinopril to diovan to see if that helps and is having blood work done next week (to look for things like potassium buildup/retention and kidney function indicators).

When I put my worst fears aside, I suspect the BP medicine. I have never had these sensations before and the timing sequence between starting the medicine and increasing the dosage and the appearance of the tingling seems like the logical place to start looking for an explanation. It would seem almost improbably coincidental for a 47 yo man to experience his first MS symptoms weeks/days after starting a new med which lists such tingling as a possible side effect.

[tmkls]

I had an appointment today with a good friend who is a neuro-opthamalogist at a major teaching hospital in Chicago. He specializes in ON and eye problems associated with MS. My eye exam showed nothing except the need for reading glasses (this was the main reason I went to see him, but I did discuss my other concerns about the tingling).

But more importantly, he agreed with the conclusions offered on here. Mild tingling that lasts only a few seconds each time and is scattered about the body -- upper and lower as well as right and left -- is NOT consistent with any of the MS cases he has seen over the years. In fact, he could not think of any serious neurological condition that would present like this. Though he cautioned that he is not a neurologist per se, he has had some experience with almost every neurological problem over the years.

He thinks my GP will look elsewhere for a cause when she sees me this week.

[Quixotic1]

Though you are always welcome here, I think you have looked at this problem very intelligently and gotten good advice both here and from the neuro-ophtho.

Some basic things that should be looked at are B12 level (before supplementing, if you really want answers), the ACE Inhibitor, iron levels, and thyroid studies.  Low normal B12 levels (less than 400 or so) should be supplemented - IMHO - with 1000mcg of B12 daily.

At about the age of 50 the ratio of women to men in MS is nearly equal like 1.5:1, and MS does occur at advanced ages as Lulu mentioned.  I was diagnosed at age 55 with onset of symptoms at 52 (or 47 depending on how my medical history is interpeted.)  Still, this looks little like MS.

Good luck,

Quix

[tmkls]

Thanks, Quixotoc1

I will surely raise these possible causes with my GP. I would also not rule out stress/anxiety. Though I am generally skeptical when doctors through this out as an explanation, I am a bit of worry-wort and have been extremely anxious about several medical issues since August (all which so far have proven to be no big deal). That the tingling seems to almost go away when I am distracted doing other things lends a little credibility to such an explanation.

I also have to say that over the last few days I have been reading many of the threads on this board. I have been extremely impressed by the knowledge and touched the compassion evident throughout.