McDonald Criteria Fulfilled?

I've had steadily worsening symptoms for 3 years now, following mild 'episodes' in the past years that resolved. My latest neurological exam reveals; bilateral babinski sign, very brisk reflexes, spasticity, abnormal gait and decreased sensation.

Present symptoms now include; vertigo which can get so bad I vomit and can't walk, blurred vision, vibrating vision and flashing lights,  numbness/tingling and weakness in face, hands/forearms, feet, legs and hips, extreme fatigue, cognitive decline and confusion, banding sensations, constant spasms and stiffness in legs, now moving into arms and hands that causes clumsiness, bladder issues.  All symptoms increase with heat...a hot shower wreaks havoc.

A brain MRI back in Feb. 2011, revealed approx. 12 white matter lesions that may or may not be demylination. Cervical spine and thoracic spine are clear.

My neuro say it is very possibly MS. He's ruled out lupus, lyme and tumors, but doesn't seem able to offer me any other possible differential diagnosis.

He has me scheduled for another MRI in June 2012, which seems to me like an agonizing amount of time to wait.

My symptoms seem to be becoming progressively worse...just a steady decline rather than having 'attacks' that resolve and then appear again. I'm fearful that if it is MS it may be a progressive type.

I've made an appt. with him to see if perhaps the MRI can be pushed up, but I do realize that if new lesions have not had time to make an appearance, it's likely pointless. Any opinions on how long it might take for further MRI evidence to show up and how much more criteria I require for an actual diagnosis?

It seems to me that if I add up all the various areas being affected and the clinical signs (babinski, brisk reflexes, abnormal gait and combine this with the brain lesions, I'd be pretty close to fullfilling the criteria for a diagnosis..?

Thanks so much for any help anyone can offer. :)

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Hard to say if the criteria was met or not because MS is a clinical dx and only the doc can speak to it being fufilled :(

I am glad to read the doctor is continuing to follow you however had you had a 2nd opinion? Since the doctor is not convinced MS and has not provided differential dx?
That's what I would do - I'd go for a 2nd or third if need be.
-shell

[maramor]

Thanks so much Slowe. :)