Should I pursue diagnostics?

[westridgenorth]

I know this gets asked a lot, but I am concerned I may be developing MS.

I have, over the past four years, experienced increasing symptoms.

-Increasingly common episodes of blurry/double vision, coupled often with a electric jolt feeling, as well as spots in my eyes.
-severe fatigue, even when I wake up
-headaches
-severe back pain
-tingling in legs, arms, back
-cold sensation in my back
-increasing loss in balance and coordination
-stiffness in legs
-loss of strength

I may be just being paranoid, but I'm concerned about this. This year I've had episodes of increased systems at least three times, each lasting a few weeks to over a month. Back X-Rays were normal besides signs of VERY early arthritis, nothing near what would cause the pain I experience. Doctor dismissed my concerns and gave me numbing patches and said to try phys. therapy, which I can't afford.

Should I pursue an MRI? Or should I not be concerned?

[HVAC]

The first place to start is a neurological exam that is reflexes, following the finger with your eye, standing on one foot, etc. It is more accurate than a MRI I was told by several doctors. If this test is abnormal see a MS Specialist. Neurologists specialize. If he does a neurological exam it will tell him where to MRI. You have a MRI under MS protocal. This is with and with out contrast and more slices or pictures. If that is suspisious of MS they may do more tests. There are a lot of blood tests to rule out other illnesses, They usually have you come back every six months. A neurologist will not say it may be MS until they are sure it is. This is not dismissive. If they say it is not MS and do not give you another appointment then they do not think it is MS. If you do have a MRI have a MS Specialist do it. A GP can't diagnose MS. The testing can get pricey.
Alex

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome,

Your 19 right, and if your saying these symptoms started 4 years ago, what ever it is that started when you were 14-15 would still be well within the pediatric category....

The symptoms you've mentioned are not very suggestive of MS, the one symptom 'tingling', which could be related to a neurological issue, your saying is actually in all your peripheral limbs (tingling in legs, arms, back). Presenting symptoms in both upper and lower and on both sides of the body are less likely to be caused by a neurological condition like MS, because MS is not known to be able to do that, bilateral and all peripherals are red flags pointing away from neurological conditions like MS.

I genuinely don't think you should be worrying about MS, you might not be aware that pediatric MS is rare compared to the other potential causes, so MS is probably less likely based on your time frame and the having MS red flags.

If you don't have the finances to afford physio, you might find it also difficult affording multiple brain and spinal MRI's, with and  without contrast, along with all the other related medical tests....I would suggest you consider getting the common tests done, eg full blood tests to rule out other autoimmune conditions, arthritis, diabetes, vitamin deficientcies etc etc and visual assessment to rule out common visual causes - an optometrist is cheapest and if it's necessary, can refer you to an ophthalmologist for additional tests... less expensive and could find you some valuable diagnostic answers and a direction to peruse.  

Hope that helps.....JJ