Paresthesia worse after walking

Hi,

I'm currently in the process of being scanned apparently for MS. Currently I've got a diagnosis of optic neuritis which was confirmed by my first brain MRI, and they also suspect from this that there's a lesion in my c spine (I've just had another scan 3 months on and am waiting for the results). My brain itself was clear.

Other symptoms include my right leg going numb for a month or so, and possibly something strage with my balance whereby I felt like I was being pulled to the right whenever I was trying to walk somewhere (I've no idea if this is even a possible symptom of MS - it was most probably some sort of virus as it only lasted about a week). That's it really, other than a kind of numbness in the fingers of my left hand.

Over the last 5 weeks or so I've been getting a tingling sensation in my left leg. It's been fairly non consistent in its behaviour - for a week or so it was there all the time at a low level, and since then it seems to be worse if I'm lying down, but is most noticeable after I've been walking. I don't notice it when walking, but as soon as I stop, especially if the walk has lasted over 10 min, the pins and needles feeling is quite strong.

Does this sound like a symptom? I'm going to see the neuro a week on Thurs, so I'm sure he'll be able to fill me in, but my curiosity is getting the better of me. I've also been trying to self diagnose based on the pics I got of my last scan, but I've come to the conclusion I can make neither head nor tail of it (but I can verify that there are no blatently obvious lesions in my spine :) )

Thanks for your help,

Jep

[essdipity]

Hey there, Jep. Happy to have you with us.

All the things you mention can occur in MS. Even that pulling in one direction, believe it or not. The central nervous system is a complicated place.

Your leg tingling is likely a paresthesia, and sometimes these are more noticeable than at other times. Walking tires you out a bit, which can all be interrelated.

I hope you have a good neuro, who will take the time to explain why you feel the sensations that you do. Meanwhile, please look at our Health Pages (see upper right). You'll find lots of helpful and accurate info.

We are always curious about MRI scans, but take it from me, it's next to impossible for 'amateurs' to analyze them with any accuracy.

Please stay with us as this unfolds, and best of luck.

ess

[Jepster]

Thanks ess! I've been reading the Health Pages and there's so much information out there. I was also reading other messages and found out that the radiologists prepare reports after the MRI, so I'm going to request mine on Monday from the neuro's secretary.

I'll update you as I get more information.

Jep

[Lulu54]

Hi Jep, a word of caution about the radiologist's report.  don't be disappointed if it doesn't contain much other than the bare basics.  

We find from experience around here that radiologists view our pics and report on the bare bones minimum, usually.  The neurologist should read the pics and make up his/her mind independent of the radio's ideas.

Since I've been dx'd, my MRI reports are short, don't even include the word Ms in the description, and my neuro says they aren't even worth reading .  I think it irritates him that I get copies because he always tells me they are worthless.

But in their defense, the radiologist may already know that the report is going to be set aside, so why put extra effort into it?  

later, Lu