MS treatment

[metabolicwreck]

I was recently diagnosed with MS, based on diagnostic tests, not clinical symptoms.  Positive MRI of cervical spine, positive MRI of brain, elevated ANA titers, CSF with oligoclonal bands and IgG.

I suspect that I have primary progressive MS, based on my age (51) and the fact that I have had no known exacerbations.  I do have some symptoms that can be attributed to MS, now that I am aware of it.

From my reading, it appears that there is no prophylactic treatment for PPMS, is that correct?  I am supposed to meet with my neurologist to discuss treatment options, but I'm not sure there are any.

Also, is MS genetically linked?  Should my adult daughter watch for symptioms?

Thank you for any information you can provide.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

If you had no clinical symptoms, its unclear as to why those tests were ordered?

Relapsing MS and progressive MS can be differentiated by the clinical history - I cannot tell which one you might have, without knowing what your symptoms are and their pattern over time - a neurologist specializing in MS would be the best person to tell you this as the treatments do differ. Some doctors actually beleive that they are two seperate diseases (ie with different causes and mechanisms) but this is controversial.

Beta interferons and glatiramer acetate have been found to reduce clinical attacks and MRI progression in relapsing MS but not in progressive MS. There are some treamtents to slow the disease process in progressive MS such as pulse steroids. The treatment is best planned by a specialist in MS. As you can see, the correct diagnosis is critical as the drugs are expensive and have side effects. Progressive MS tends to have a relative paucity of MRI changes compared to relapsing MS, so the MRI can also give clues to the diagnosis. Attacks in relapsing MS do not have to be clinical - even when asymptomatic, new MRI lesions can come and go.

We do not know the cause for MS. It is slightly more common in twin studies, so is though to have somewhat of a genetic predisposition, but probably many different genes are inloved in this (as opposed to one gene such as in diseases like muscular dystrophy). Therefore there is usually no cause for concern in family members especially if only one family member is  affected.

Good luck

[vega1318]

What clinical symptoms prompted your doctors to do all these tests in the first place?

[metabolicwreck]

I have been having problems with pain in my neck for the past couple of months, and went to a chiropractor.  After a couple of weeks of adjustments, the pain was not any better so she sent me for an MRI to see if there was a problem with a pinched nerve or a herniated disc.  And, my neck structure was fine, but the radiologist saw lesions and recommended the MRI of my brain.  Ironically, my neck is doing much better now that all of this was set into motion!

[PikaPika88]

Will CT scan show?  Do you know other than MRI, what test can detect the MS?  I can't have MRI due to my pacemaker.  I knew my muscle is getting weaker and weaker.

Pika.

[vega1318]

I think you should go to an MS specialist to get the diagnosis right once and for all.   From what you're writing so far, there's no reason to even suspect MS -- neck pain by itself should not even make one think of it, unless there were other findings as per your doctors.    Whatever they found in your brain is just an image -- and doctors shouldn't treat images but patients.   So go and tell your story from the beginning to a specialist and have them decide.

[metabolicwreck]

Pika:  It is my understanding that MS is actually a clinical diagnosis, based on acute episodes.  The MRI is great, but is actually a fairly new test, so diagnosis can be made without it.  Another diagnostic tool is the lumbar puncture.

Vega:  I think you missed part of this.  The neck pain quite possibly has nothing to do with MS.  The MRI finding was confirmed with a lumbar puncture.  And, I do have other symptoms, annoying enough that I had mentioned them to my GYN and my neurologist, but until now they weren't put together.  So, I feel fairly confident of the diagnosis.  And, my neurologist is conferring with an MS specialist.

[PikaPika88]

What your Gyn said?  I told the Gyn, he thought is my pacemaker leaking electricity!  Because I've the tingling and vibration throughout the chest, hand and legs all the time.  I thought is menopause but he said not related to menopause.  ???  Pika.

[metabolicwreck]

I think we are gerting too wordy for this forum.  
Email me privately and we can continue the discussion.
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