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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Facial Droop Getting Worse?
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Facial Droop Getting Worse?
by Aneliese-Reitz, May 27, 1998 12:00AM
Hi CCF, I am hoping you can help me this question. I am in the process of being worked up for MS but still have more testing to go through. I notice along with R/R Pattern of symptoms that I also seem to have my eyelids drooping where notiably worse when I become fatiqued. My face is beginning to stay asymetrical. Is this common in MS? Is there a possibility that I may have another autoimmuine diease going on. I was wondering about Guillain Barre Syndrome and Myasthenia Gravis, due either of these dieases produce this type of symptom. I also been having vertigo, blurred vision, arm and leg weakness or spasity. All my symptoms get worse when I am over heated or running tempature. I would appreciate any comment you might have on this matter.
Thank you for your help, Sincerely Anneliese Reitz
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The most important first task for any neurologist in determining your diagnosis is to figure out where in the nervous system the problems are coming from. Once this is determined, it is rational to test for specific pathologic processes (for example, autoimmune disease, vascular disease, etc).
MS is a disease of the CENTRAL nervous system, the brain and spinal cord. The process is one of inflammation and demyelination, and the cause is autoimmune. But you can't even look for MS until it is determined that your symptoms are due to central nervous system disease.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) and Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) are diseases of the PERIPHERAL nervous system. MG is related to autoimmune attack on the nerve-muscle junction (chemical transmission of the command to the muscle). GBS is related to malfunction of the nerves (typically from autoimmune attack with loss of myelin, but not always).
These are entirely different diseases. A complex case such as yours needs to be considered from the start, with careful history and physical examination. After that, certain tests may be specifically chosen to address questions which arise in the evaluation.
If you are in doubt as to the diagnosis, then a second opinion may be helpful. You are welcome to call 800 223-2273 and ask for neurology appointments. We have a group of MS experts in the Mellen Center (within the department of neurology). There are also MG and GBS experts (neuromuscular disease specialists).
I hope this helps. As you know, this information is provided for your general medical education only. Any specific comment regarding your diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment options must come from your doctor after appropriate evaluation. CCF MD mdf.
