MS or Anxiety?

I started getting strange neurological symptoms six months ago - loss of feeling/numbness in the toes of my right foot, plus soreness in my right eye and tingling down the right side of my body. I went to see a neurologist and had an MRI on my brain and spine. The brain scan came back completely clear and the one on my spine showed some wear and tear to a disc, which the neurologist believed accounted for the numbness in my foot. Between me having the scan and seeing that neurologist, I also started getting 'electric shock' type symptoms all over my body, but the other symptoms had disappeared. He said that his guess was that these would disappear and that would be the end of the matter. They did disappear after a couple of weeks, but the eye soreness waxed and waned. When i got my eyes looked at by an optician and GP, I was told there was nothing wrong with them. Eventually, all the symptoms disappeared.

Then, about a month and a half ago, my eye soreness returned, along with tingling sensations in my leg and a sense of unco-ordination and tightness in my left hand. I was in an utter panic about this and the electric shock sensations returned, along with cramping feelings - again, particularly in my left arm. I was referred to another neurologist (simply because the original one was on holiday) and he told me he really didn't feel my symptoms were being caused by MS, but instead by anxiety. He said my MRI was completely clear was significant: he said that and that the lack of clarity on diagnosing MS comes because many people have spots, but they're not always legions. As mine was completely clear, and my basic neurological exam showed up no problems, he felt confident it wasn't MS.

I walked away convinced that it was all caused by anxiety and a whole lot happier. The problem is, that my symptoms have not disappeared. Although my eye soreness has gone, my left arm feels tight, heavy and keeps cramping slightly. I have also developed a twitch above my right eye that's now been there for eight days.

I keep reading that MRIs do not always show up MS legions; and on that basis do I need to keep pushing for other tests? Or should I accept that these symptoms are all anxiety related and get on with it? The neurologist suggested I might benefit from cognitive therapy. I have no history of anxiety/depression/any mental health issues - but I will admit that I'm feeling utterly desperate at the moment and this issue has become all-consuming for me - so upsetting, in fact, that it's affecting my family and work-life. I'd be so very grateful for your advice.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
Your symptoms can be caused by MS as well as anxiety . Sometimes  MS presents a clear MRI . The lesions are visible in later stages . Please start the basic treatment . Go for the treatment of anxiety first . Please consult  a physician for the prescription of anti anxiety and antidepressant medications . Along with the medications , physical exercises , stress free environment and a good balanced diet may help . Take lots of fluids , multivitamins , multiminerals , protein and Omega 3 . Stretching , swimming and cycling help to keep the muscles conditioned and relieve the stiffness and pain . If there is no improvement with the anxiety treatment , please consult the neurologist again . He may consider starting treatment for MS if the symptoms persist . A repeat MRI may be required  after a few months .Please go for EMG along with MRI of brain and arms .  Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !