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3856793 tn?1348361564

MS and eye pain/eye flashes

Like many of the postings on this forum I've had several symptoms over the years that indicate "possible MS diagnosis" but have never been given a definitive diagnosis. I wasn't really concerned about a diagnosis until I
started experiencing eye pain (and flashes) recently. If there is something I should take (medication) to prevent
visual impairment because I DO HAVE MS, then I want someone to figure this out. Retinal detachment was ruled
out and although Opthamologist stated optic nerve looked normal upon dilation, from what I've read that is often
the case because it is retrobulbar. I don't have a history of migraines or high blood pressure however since 2005
MRI shows T2 scattered foci bilaterally with right frontal lobe and left parietal subcortical prominent. MRI in 2012
stated slight increase in periventricular and subcortical white matter T2 hyperintense foci. MRI in 2013 also mentions white matter abnormalities, also commenting on 2 stable periventricular foci. Not sure what the significance of
"stable" would mean in terms of an MS diagnosis. Not sure what to do next. MS specialist ordered VEP after
abnormal MRI in 2012 but when results came back negative she didn't recommend further evaluation. Other classic symptoms I'm experiencing are extreme fatigue, depression. Really the only doc encouraging me to continue
searching for answers is the psychiatrist treating my depression. I was diagnosed with Graves disease in 2001 and
Rosacea a few years ago. Her concern is that these are also auto-immune disorders. Where do I go from here?
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3856793 tn?1348361564
flashes are in the corner of my right eye, almost in the shape of a C. Started about 6 weeks ago. Primarily notice them when I first enter a dark room, they
continue unless I turn a light on. Ophthalmologist insisted I go in to have
eyes dilated to rule out retinal detachment. He said all looked fine and to
return in a month. Then about a week later the eye pain started. Feels
like a toothache but behind my eye. Not above my eye, in the eyebrow
area but deep inside. I wake up with it and it continues all day. Eye
movement makes it worse. Returned to same eye doc, he dilated again
but encouraged a second opinion by a neuro-ophthalmologist. Particularly
given the white matter abnormalities on several MRI's. I see the new doc
on Monday.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi. :) I'm just wondering if you could describe your eye pain and flashes?
Helpful - 0
3856793 tn?1348361564
Thanks so much for your comments. I forgot to mention that I am scheduled to see a neuro-ophtham. next week. However, from past experience with
other docs I'm anticipating (pessimistic) that she won't be that diligent about a diagnosis. For example, the MS neuro dismissing my symptoms when the
VEP came back normal (2012). She said, "well, you can get a spinal tap if you want to." Not a very strong endorsement for pursuing what might be
wrong (as is very obvious from the postings of frustration from so many
that have struggled for years to get answers). Why would I have an
invasive procedure done if the doc is that casual about it? I had UBO's on an MRI done in the 80's and they recommended a ST. When it came back
negative, MS diagnosis was dismissed. I still remember being flat on my
back with the spinal headache for a week before they did a blood patch.
So obviously not eager to have that procedure again ~ particularly since
MS is still a possibility regardless of the ST outcome. Do you mind sharing
some of your symptoms with me and how you were finally given a proper
diagnosis? I posted on this site a few years ago and someone commented
that I should have had a lot of blood work by now. Besides an MRI and
ST, what other tests should be run? Thanks again for responding.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I think you should see a neuro-ophthalmologist as soon as you can. Eyes are nothing to fool with, and not many regular ophths are knowledgeable about optic nerve implications in MS. You do need answers, I agree. Also see another MS neuro and keep searching. This happens to far too many of us.

And just a small point here--there is no good scientific evidence that rosacea is an autoimmune disorder, though a lot of 'user group' web sites make this assumption. Last year I saw a dermatologist about another issue, and she commented that I seem to have rosacea. If so, it's very mild, as my face gets some red patches for no reason, and I'm not much of a blusher.

At that point I started reading up on rosacea and learned a lot.

Grave's disease is definitely autoimmune, and I believe that if you have one autoimmune disorder you are more likely than the general public to get another, though at the moment I have no statistics on that.

In any event, I wish you well. Please keep posting.
ess
Helpful - 0
751951 tn?1406632863
Starting to consider myself a limbo lifer, but I can say my eye pain, when it flares up, is the worst.  Neurontin 2400mg/d usually keeps it under control, but not tonight.  Sorry; wish I could tell you something about you, rather than me.  Empathizing, nonetheless.
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