Confused

I was just diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) but I know that my doctor is not sure (as there isn't testing for this disorder) only process of elimination of other possible causes.  So, I am desperately seeking answers.  In any case, about 2 years ago, I opened my car door and the when the heat hit my face I experienced a terrible rush of a tingling and itching sensation across my jawline.  Here I am 2 years later, still have tingling and itching mostly in the jawline, terrible itching in my breast which is causing skin issues, and sporadically in all parts of my upper body.  I also, have mostly unilateral impaired sensation (slight numbness, inappropriate coldness, and weakness in my lower leg/foot, cramping in both calves on one occasion, muscle fatigue with very little exercise, shoulder discomfort when lying down.  

If anyone can enlighten me, I would greatly appreciate it.  

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. These multiple neurological symptoms could be due to a chronic demyelinating condition called multiple sclerosis where the disease phase is characterized by active phase and remissions. It has multiple symptoms and signs and is a diagnosis of exclusion. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are loss of balance, muscle spasms, numbness in any area, problems with walking and coordination, tremors in one or more arms and legs. Bowel and bladder symptoms include frequency of micturition, urine leakage, eye symptoms like double vision uncontrollable rapid eye movements, facial pain, painful muscle spasms, tingling, burning in arms or legs, depression, dizziness, hearing loss, fatigue etc. The treatment is essentially limited to symptomatic therapy so the course of action would not change much whether MS has been diagnosed or not. Apart from clinical neurological examination, MRI shows MS as paler areas of demyelination, two different episodes of demyelination separated by one month in at least two different brain locations. Spinal tap is done and CSF electrophoresis reveals oligoclonal bands suggestive of immune activity, which is suggestive but not diagnostic of MS. Demyelinating neurons, transmit nerve signals slower than non-demyelinated ones and can be detected with EP tests. These are visual evoked potentials, brain stem auditory evoked response, and somatosensory evoked potential. Slower nerve responses in any one of these is not confirmatory of MS but can be used to complement diagnosis along with a neurological examination, medical history and an MRI in addition, a spinal tap. Therefore, it would be prudent to consult your neurologist with these concerns. Take care.