MS / Positive Babinski Reflex / Lumbar Puncture?

[thester6474]

Hi, does a babinski reflex always indicate a presence of a neurological disease? I was tested by two different physicians, one a Neurologist and one my General Practitioner. Both agreed that I have one positive result, and one negative. What could this mean?  My symptoms are as follows:  My main symptoms are tingling in my entire body, burning pain, weakness & fatigue in the muscles, stiffness, Depression, Headaches, irritability, anxiousness, tremor, proprioceoption, major muscle cramps and spasms, a decreased ability to feel pain & heal from it. I sat on a piece of glass, and was bleeding all over the bed, when I stood up is when I noticed that I had been injured. I also suffer from malaise, frustration, difficulty with memory, concentration & thinking. I also have a lot of problem doing small muscle activities and major varicose veins. Could this be just a Circulatory problem, or is it Neurological/Rheumatic?  Please help, I am about to lose my mind wondering.  I am scheduled for a Lumbar Puncture, and am soooo worried, should I be worried?

[pennst8r]

Not doing very well this week. Didn't want you to think I was blowing you off. OK if I post tomorrow? My leg spasms are horrific this week, as is my balance. Have fallen and whacked my head twice in a few days.

You may want to post your story over on the MS forum as well. There are so very many knowledgeable and extremely supportive people there.

"Talk" to you tomorrow hopefully.

Penn

[thester6474]

As of yesterday, my rheumy told me he wants to explore the MS diagnosis my Neuro believed.  He also told me that my muscles are getting progressively rigid  He also told me my skin is getting progressively thicker.  What could cause these symptoms as well?  would that be something i need to look into?

[thester6474]

What could cause the extreme tingling sensations felt in my head?  I can barely brush or touch it at all, the tingling sensations causes a lot of nausea as well.  Even if I turn my head a certain way or touch my neck, the tingling increases.  This Neuro I am seeing, I feel highly confident with his judgment, however I feel that is he really scared to tell me the truth.  I asked him after the Neurological Examination, after all of his "interesting" comments what he thought could be wrong.  He could not really look me in the eye, and he kind of dodged the question.  Not until I went to my GP the other day, he read the letters from the two, and told me what they are expecting. I think that he is scared of seeing me emotional.  But anymore, I find myself more emotional when all my other doctors' are so unsure of what is causing my situation.

[thester6474]

First my Neuro told me, then my GP told me that I had a positive Babinski reflex in the same foot, without me telling him anything.  I just had 4 different MRIs, all ordered by my Neuro, two of my cervical spine, and two of my lumbar spine.  The LP was also ordered by the Neuro.  He and his NP wrote two different letters both stating they felt I had MS, I am soooo concerned.

[Caliber2005]

Hi,
Yes Multiple Sclerosis could be a possibility. But that is one of the possibilities.
What does the MRI report suggest?
There are definitive guidelines, on which the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis is based.
Once internationally accepted criteria’s are satisfied, then diagnosis of Multiple diagnosis can be made.
Do let us know about all reports.
Bye.

[pennst8r]

Was it the neuro who said your Babinski was positive or the GP? That would be important, as a neuro would be more reliable in judging a positive. Have you had an MRI? Who ordered the LP? Many, but not all, people with MS have a positive Babinski. It is part of the neurological exam. I am not sure if it occurs in other conditions. Usually docs order an MRI before an LP. That's why I was wondering about it.

I would go through with the LP; it may ease your mind. Try not to panic though. It's important not to let your mind run away on you. Give the docs a chance to find some answers. These types of issues take time to sort through and diagnose.

Take care,

Penn

[thester6474]

Please give me your medical advice.

[thester6474]

So would you doubt a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis?

[Caliber2005]

Hi,
Positive Babinski response indicates disturbance of the function of the pyramidal system. The pyramidal motor system controls all of our voluntary movements. The pyramidal system is a two neuron system consisting of upper motor neurons in the Primary Motor Cortex and lower motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. The lower motor neuron axon extends from the spinal cord to the skeletal muscles of the arms or legs. Your injury pattern suggests lower motor neuron injury.
Causes can be Diabetic neuropathy or Polyneuropathy disorder or Peripheral arterial malformation or CIDP.
If you have seen the neurologist already, follow his advice till it sounds reasonable and I think lumbar puncture should not be a concern.
Hope this helps.
Bye.