Newbie, MS triggers and causes??

[speedmamma]

Second post here, just wanted to know if anyone here knows what a trigger is for an MS attack.  I had a bad virus in December, I was told it could possibly been a cytomegalovirus.  They did test me for EBV and HSV1 and both were negative.  I had canker like sores in my throat and high fever and very fatigued.  Oh and it wasnt strep.  6 weeks after that incident I had both legs feel like they are on fire, burning numbness and tingly.  The first episode lasted about 10 days and just as fast as it came it went away, This was in January.  This is march and i must admit I have some pain in my right leg more than my left on and off now for 1 week, and it also starts to hurt in my arm mostly my right arm.  I do have a grandma that died in 1975 and on the death certificate it stated MS as the cause.  What I owuld like to know does a virus trigger MS if you are already predisposed to the disease?  And I did go to my GP and he did a Chem Profile, CBC and a SED rate and all was negative.  What do i do next and where do I turn for answers this is quite confusing because no one believes me when I say I have pain.  Any advice is helpful>  THANKS!!

[tanky]

Hello,

I don't know what all the different triggers for MS are, but it is widely believed that a virus can be a trigger.  I have read that people are born with or without predispositions for MS and then some outside environmental factor will trigger it.  Having a family member increases your chances, but the risk of MS is still fairly low.  

I got an MS diagnosis when I thought I was having an MRI for a pinched nerve, so I don't have experience in asking for the right tests.  I can tell you that I ended up having a brain and spine MRI, and lumbar puncture.  The MRI's will look for lesions, their location and size.  The LP will check for protein and o-bands in your cerebrospinal fluid.  The MRI's could likely be ordered by your GP, but you will eventually want to find a neurologist (an MS specialist, if possible) to read the MRI's.  I guess I would tell your GP about the problems you're having and ask for a referral to a neurologist.  

I REALLY hope you find the answers you need.  Try to stay positive but definitely be your own advocate and fight for your health.  The disease modifying drugs are new since your Grandma would have lived with the disease and they can help...especially the sooner you start.  Best wishes to you!!  Keep us posted.

[Quixotic1]

Hi, welcome to the forum.  We've had a huge number of new people recently.  I'm sorry you had to wait, but more people will be by soon.  I'm Quix, the unofficial and resident physician (pediatrician in a former life).

Your answer is simple.  Absolutely yes! a bad viral infection, or infection of any kind, can finally be the trigger that makes MS show up.

MS is a disease of the immune system gone haywire.  It isn't clear exactly what sets the immune system up to begin the attack on the nerves, but a series of things likely.  It probably a combination of genetic predisposition, ethnic and racial background, where you spent your childhood, and probably some effect of one or more common viruses that one has had years before the disease starts.

Whatever gets the immune system going, it is clear that things that stimulate the immune system also tend to stimulate the disease of MS.  One of the biggest things is infections, to a lessor extent vaccinations.  So, it is certainly possible.  But, also keep in mind that several viruses can cause mayhem with the nerves, and that it might settle down in a few months.

The first thing you need to do is ask for a referral to a neurologist, who should do a thorough history and neuro exam.  If the possiblity of MS is there, an MRI of the brain, and entire spinal cord (cervical and thoracic) without and with contrast should be done.

You need to get this scheduled so it can be happening.  Many neuros are booked up.

Others will be by to fill in some of the other steps.  I need to run.  Welcome to the forum.  We can answer most of the questions you have.  If we can't we go looking for the answers.

Quix, MD