"Typical" duration?

[cjtmn]

Hi there,

I am not Dx with MS, but am in the middle of more tests. In 2008 after the birth of my 2nd child, I developed an overnight 6th nerve palsy/diplopia. Brain MRI came back clear and my symptoms resolved completely in about 3 weeks time.

September 2014 was my 2nd episode of 6th nerve palsy - far more severe than the first episode, and the diplopia cleared up in about 4 weeks; however I was left with significant oscilopaia and CSD for about 2 more months (both still show up from time to time). Brain MRI was still clear, but there were some small findings in my cervical and thoracic spine (neither of which explained the eye issues).

2.5 weeks ago I woke with my right hand feeling asleep - and I could barely use it. The various sensations have affected 1 side of my body only, with most noticeable impact to my fingers, Palm, arm, thigh, shin, toes and bottom of my foot. I had a LP yesterday and will get new MRIs next week to try to understand the latest symptoms.

Anyways, I'm curious if there is an average duration for symptoms. I'm guessing not, but was just trying to grab onto something to indicate what might be at the bottom of all of this and/or how long these symptoms may hang around.

Thanks for any advice.
Cheryl

[cjtmn]

Thank you...and I suspected that was the case. I'm just feeling very frustrated with my body I guess. I am (thankfully) not in pain, per se - or not what I have historically thought of as pain. I am just exhausted from feeling half numb on one side and frustrated at the reduction in capabilities in my dominant hand. The GP thought it was carpal tunnel, but the neuro said no way.

So far no one has seen anything on my brain scans. I guess I will lean if that has changed after next week.

It could be worse. Losing the ability to focus was far more debilitating, so I am thankful to not be going through that a third time!

Cheryl

[supermum_ms]

Hi there yourself :D

Um you guessed right, basically 'how long is a piece of string' is the answer for how long the symptoms caused by MS could last, there's also no guarantee the relapse won't cause permanent damage. Technically, an MS relapse is the return 'and or' worsening of your MS symptoms 'and or' experiencing a new symptom, for no less than 24-48 hours.

Which would mean symptoms from MS could last from as little as 24-48hours to multiple years, it truly depends on way too many factors with remittance of symptoms ie lesion location makes a big difference on recovery, spinal cord, brain stem, cerebellum lesions are more likely to cause permanent non recoverable issues......

Just a thought but did your brain MRI show 'any' lesions that could have more weight when added to your spinal cord lesions?  

Cheers........JJ