Cervical spine question MS

[Mochamommy]

Hello and thank you for this valuable service. I am having problems which I think are coming from my cervical spine - I would like your input as to the possible underlying cause as well as whether or not MS can most likely be ruled out.

I have had symptoms for five years now - at the three-year mark I had MRI of entire spine, as well as 3 MRIS of brain over the past three years (most recent 6 months ago).  I've had EVPs, spinal tap, normal neuro exam, etc., with only positive tests being a pos. urodynamic test showing neurogenic bladder and a highly positive ANA (all other lupus indicators negative)- all of this to rule out MS.

My main symptom (other than bladder urgency) are severe pains that seem to originate in my neck, at the base of my head and into the area right around shoulder blades - while I am having these pains, my glands in my throat *seem* swollen, I have achy pains in my elbows and hands, and one of my knees gets severe arthritis, and I also have facial pain in my jaw area - I feel like I have a mild "flu" with arthritis.  COuld these arm, leg and face pains be caused by cervical spine problems?  It is strange that the only time I get the aches is when my neck becomes so stiff and sore - it is always the precursor to other symptoms.

Please advise as to whether or not I should have additional testing (and when)and whether or not MS can be ruled out (after how many years of testing??).

Thanks so much for your advice.

MM

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

With normal results from several MRIs of brain and spine, VEPs, spinal tap and neuro exams, it is very unlikely that you have MS. Further testing is also unlikely to be necessary as it sounds like you've already had an extensive workup. It sounds like you are having severe muscle spasms of the muscles in your neck and head. Have you tried muscle relaxants such as Zanaflex or Flexeril? This sometimes occurs after trauma such as motor vehicle accidents. Muscle strains can lead to tension headaches or trigger migraines. Cervical spine abnormalities should have been pickep up by the spine films done. However, if you have numbness and tingling in your limbs or weakness, an EMG may be helpful. Talk to your docs about symptomatic treatment and try some warm showers/baths, ibuprofen, and perhaps a muscle relaxant. Good luck.

With a high positive ANA titer, other collagen vascular diseases that are in the family of lupus should be ruled out too as they can cause joint pain and stiffness.

[Mochamommy]

Thanks for your input.  Even with the neuralgia/nerve pains in my face/jaw and hands and feet, along with neurogenic bladder, MS is still pretty much out of the picture?? I just want to rule this out once and for all.  Lupus was ruled out "for now", as I didn't meet all (did meet some) of the criteria.  At what point (i.e. how many years of negative testing) can one be sure it is *not* MS??

Thanks again for the response!!

MM

[LAYCEE]

I have had unusual symptoms like yours for several years also. I also have numbness in upper legs and left side of face. I only had one MRI done of my brain and one MRI of the c-spine (both neg.) My neuro, who is an MS specialest in Cincinnati says hes positive I do not have MS. According to him the MRis would have showed something after so many years of symptoms. Even subtle and minor abnormalities would have led him to a Dx of MS coupled with all my symptoms. However, a TOTALY normal MRI would be HIGHLY unlikley if MS was the cause. Less than 4%. (this according to my neuro)

[boycee]

A related discussion, cevical spinal cord was started.

[leesalow]

A related discussion, MS vs LYME was started.