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Neurology (Expert Forum)
MS § high ANA
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
MS § high ANA
by hewie, Nov 03, 2003 12:00AM
Female 49 diagnosed w/possible MS. Sx yr+ incl: abnormal reflexes/extreme fatigue/Uthoff’s/vertigo/urinary urgency/sporadic blurry-dbl vision problems pins/needles tingling/numb/burning spots/LS facial numbness/ tremor/memory-word finding trouble/feeling of losing consciousness few times/now footdrop/stiff/weak/crampy legs/vague pains. Different sx at different times/last days-wks/1-3 mos in between except fatigue-always. Getting progressively worse-just generally feel ill. Blood tests include: ESR, Lyme/B12/Lupus dsDNA/HIV/liver panel/BP/more-ALL normal except ANA-1:640. Thyroidectomy f/Hasimoto’s 9/99. Total hysterectomy 5/03. On synthroid/prevacid lithium-level tested reg/10mg prosac/allegra/300mg Neurontin. Abnormal exam 3x. Getting results of LP/VEP soon.
7/03 MRI: several hyperintense lesions both hemispheres gtr lft vs. rgt largest .8cm, rest brain normal. Impression:Abnormal small punctate T2 signal areas in periventricular white matter may represent small vessel ischemic changes (but does not appear so) or demyelinating disease. EEG mod. abnormal-slower thetha waves bi-temporally often, nonspecific-indicative of diffuse cerebral dysfunction. C-MRI:extensive spondylosis/mod narrowing at C5-7/no cord compression. Was considered very intelligent/young looking, now often feel 90 and can't think straight. Sound more MS or rheumatoid in nature (no rashes)?? Should ANA be checked again even if LP/VEP come back positive f/MS? Heard elevated ANA at times found in MS, but this high? Possibly have both? Thanks for your time-God Bless
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Nov 08, 2003 12:00AM
An elevated ANA (this level does not exclude MS) can be seen in both MS and Lupus. However it is also a marker of other inflammatory conditions in the body. You have already had Hashimoto's which means you are at increased risk for other auto-immune disorders. Having the ANA checked again would be reasonable. The CSF analysis will help to evaluate for specific markers of MS. Good luck
