Waiting for diagnosis

[hans_Ve_Be]

Hello,
I'm a 35 y old man. A couple of months ago I started to have back and neck pain. Went to a GP, neck/back scans were taken and revealed a (light) cervical herniated disc. I had some manual ther. sessions, but nothing helped. I also started to notice sensory alterations in (esp.) legs and arms now and then: especially spots that feel warm now and then.  Additional scans were taken, and a brain MRI revealed a white matter lesion (parietal), and various other very small lesions. According to the radiologist they are non-specific for MS (place and morphology). Six years ago I have had a brain MRI as well, and even then already, the report mentioned this white matter lesion.  I went to a neurologist with these finfings and she ordered an additional MRI spine and a lumbar puncture. Both came back negative (no spinal lesions, no bands in the CSF). The complaints still remain; esp. back pain/pain at the front - ribs and those sensory disturbances now and then. For the rest I don't have any other ('typical') MS symptoms (optical, etc.) .
Next step for the neurologist is an additional MRI in january 2013 (3 months later).
Do some of you recognize this process/situation? Did some of you already get a (positive) diagnosis in a similar situation?  This uncertainty really paralyses me, I don't seem to be able to focus on anything else for the moment..

[LilMinnie]

I meant to say I am starting to have symptoms in my left arm and left hand. Arrgh! ;-)

[LilMinnie]

The more I research, the more I find that there is nothing typical of MS. True, most of the time symptoms start on one side or the other. Yet spinal lesions throw a monkey wrench into it, because depending on their size and placement, they can cause bilateral symptoms. Also, like me, my "bad" side was my right. Now, I am noticing problems with my right arm and hand.

I am still trying to find out what's wrong with me, so this may not mean much. However, it is possible to have had symptoms on one side, even mild ones, then begin having them on the other, which can result in bilateral symptoms.

Meh. Sometimes this all makes my head hurt! ;-)

Hugs,
Minnie :)

[Needhelp16]

I know you said typical.  It's just said so often by many people.  I hate for anyone to think, maybe it's not MS because the sx's are bilateral.  I meant no harm by my comment!  :)

Laura

[SarahL2491]

I did clarify as "typical" Laura, and was taking into account his other tests, however there are exceptions of course

[Needhelp16]

Sarah- MS might not typically be bilateral, but it can happen.  I can testify to that. I also know plenty of people who have bilateral sx's.  I'm not saying you're wrong, but it's not always the case!

Laura

[kwarendorf]

Having had both disc issues and MS, I would think your disc issue might be a more likely cause. Disc related symptoms can occur anywhere below the damaged area. Cervical disc herniation can cause leg, arm, back symptoms.

I guess you'll know more when you get the follow-up MRI in January. Keep us posted.

Kyle

[SarahL2491]

I'm not really seeing any MS in your symptoms.

MS typically picks one side or the other and there are other diseases that cause what you have described.  Please feel free to browse our Health Pages to the right, they are full of helpful information.  There are over 20 mimic diseases that have MS symptoms.

We hope that you do not have MS, we don't wish it on anyone.  I'm not sure about the need for an MRI every 3 months.