Sudden double vision

[Natyca]

Hello,

Last week I was hospitalized because I became dizzy and noticed my vision wasn't right. Before going to the hospital I met with my optometrist who diagnosed me with double vision and noticed my left eye had a muscle spasm when I looked to the left. He advised me to see a neurologist ASAP so I admitted myself to the hospital. I was quickly given an MRI and the neurologist showed me the brain scans with some small lesions. The doctor suspected MS but wanted to do more tests. I then did a spine tap and a bunch of blood tests. All blood tests came out great- nothing out of the ordinary. I'm still waiting for those results, I have my neurologist appointment in 2 weeks. Since then I have been all week on steroids and they have actually helped me. Everyday I feel less dizzy and stronger. Although my double vision is still present. I would like more opinions of what I could have? I have no other symptoms, I haven't had any odd muscle spasms in any other part of my body, I'm able to speak and think clearly, I can walk and eat,etc. I don't want to be put on those strong chemo therapy drugs for MS- if I'm feeling better? Please help with some advise I would really appreciate it. Before this I was such an active person, working out and running everyday, did yoga, danced and it's frustrating thinking the worse. What else could his be?  Or is it really MS?

[Natyca]

Thank you, I will do more research and check out the site you recommended. I have to wait till the 15 for my final diagnosis.

[Natyca]

That's so wonderful that you are able to travel and enjoy it ! :)  thank you so much for the information about MS, I will see what happens during my visit to my doctor. At least now I'm a little more informed and not as terrified. I hope to run again, that is my goal. :)

[Natyca]

Sorry to hear :/ how do you manage it on a daily basis? I find it very difficult to keep my balance while walking and using my prescription glasses.

[immisceo]

I was diagnosed about 3.5 years ago following double vision that was classified as internuclear opthalmoplegia. It was a big surprise as I thought I was healthy as a horse! My blood tests were fine, but I had a positive MRI, lumbar puncture, physical exams, etc. So, the diagnosis of MS was swift and iron clad after 9 days in the hospital. Of course, this may or may not turn out to be the case with you, but I really want to clear up some misunderstandings you seem to have.

The first line of treatment for MS is NOT in any way shape or form chemotherapy. In fact, the only forms that may fit this description (monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab or alemtuzumab) are currently prescribed off-label by only some doctors. Typical first course of treatment are simply interferons that have had excellent safety records in their almost two decades on the market.

Of course, anyone's choice of disease treatment is extremely personal (including the choice to not treat at all) and based on many factors. But please, if you are diagnosed, be honest with yourself and your doctors about your comfort levels and priorities. There are over 10 licenced treatments available today from infusions to pills to injections. Treatment decisions are best done from a place free of fear and bad info.

Also, MS can't be predicted. It's one of the hardest things about it, and without a doubt why I consider my first year post-diagnosis the worst. I panicked with every bleary-eyed early morning, every foot that had simply fallen asleep.

But you know what? I just got back from Spain when I climbed El Chullo in the Sierra Nevada in the mid-day sun, lounged around Palmar Playa one whole day, walked up and down the hilltop towns of Mirena and Vejer de la Fortuna, scampered through the ruins of Italica and Los Millares. In August. In Spain.

My vocabulary is fine, my stride beat my husband's sometimes, yet I have a chronic neurodegenerative disease that means that may not be the case tomorrow. But darn it, it was a great holiday! None of us is a simple statistic, and none of us has the same story as anyone else. It's a bit zen that way, dealing with this. There is no end to the unknowns, but it can't determine what we make of our present.

Hang tight until the 15th. I hope you get some more answers.

[HVAC]

No my double vision has been constant for over 49 years. Because I got it before the age of two my brain adjusts somewhat.

Alex

[Natyca]

Seems like my double vision is improving, probably because of the steroids I was on? Alex, does you double vision come and go? I have to wait till the 15 to see my neurologist I really hope I don't have another episode before then.

[essdipity]

Only your doctor, or a series of doctors, can determine whether this is MS. If it is, you would be well-advised to start on one of the drugs that can actually treat MS, and not simply ease the symptoms. They are not all chemo-like drugs by any means. Please do some serious reading at good medical sites. The Nat'l MS Society has comprehensive, factual information.

ess

[HVAC]

Sounds like they did the tests quickly which is good. My main issue with MS is double vision. I have had it for 49 years now. Only your Neurologist can tell if it is MS or not.

Alex