Ms symptoms for many years-no lessions

[bornworrier]

Dear Dr.,

I am a 43 yr. old female who has had ms-like symptoms for 22 years.  I have had MRI's of the brain and spine with and without contrast on the best machine's available and the results were normal--no lessions, no demylination.  The last one i had was 3 years ago.  I had a spinal tap, but that was when i was 24.  It also was normal.
Here are my symptoms:
Age 21:  had a bladder infection, anti-biotics cleared it up, shortly after it felt like i always had to go, even sometimes after voiding.  The bladder still bothers me, but has let up alot and it is not that bad anymore.
Age 23: contracted  chicken pox.  Shortly after  had cloudy vision in one eye. Opthomologist never mentioned ON and he gave me meds (dont remember what, but it was not through an IV) and it went away in a few days.  
other symptoms include tingling, mild numbness in tip of one toe, burning sensations, prickling sensations, sensations of a liquid dripping under skin.  I have these sensations basically everywhere and it seems to be worse with anxiety.
Also, several times I woke up from a deep sleep, and vision was sort of distorted.  It looked like a fuzzy tv screen.  Also, one pupil is smaller than the other, and i believe the eyelid is a tiny bit sunken in, but hardly noticible.  (maybe horners disease???).  I have many floaters as well.
also, brisk knee reflexes,  night sweats, mild fatigue, tender points, very mild joint pain,,out of breath easily, bruise easily.
Also, neuro exam 3 years ago said there was slight central pallor of right disk.  Both pupils reacted the same.
Just wanted to know your professional opinion.  If you think this sounds like a MS to you.  
I just started worrying about it again, because i read something about Horner's disease being related to demylination.. and so i started researching MS again, and was finding that everything i read points to it.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system. To make the diagnosis there are specific criteria, in which objective neurologic findings are present affecting 2 or more locations in the nervous system in 2 or more episodes. In order to make this diagnosis, a detailed history and neurologic examination is required. MRI is very helpful and needed as it helps determine the presence of white matter lesions in 2 or more locations, however there are multiple conditions producing MRI changes that could be mistaken for MS, and the MRI should be reviewed properly and correlated to the symptoms. When the diagnosis is in doubt, LP to study the CSF is helpful, and if there is still some doubt, there are other tests such as evoked potentials that can help.


There are other conditions that can lead to whole body pain and fatigue. Sometimes these symptoms may reflect emotional/psychiatric problems related to stress (what is called somatization disorder). The latter is a true medical condition whereby instead of a patient experiencing depression or anxiety, they experience physical symptoms, and once the stress is addressed, the symptoms resolve. (You did mention that anxiety worsens the symptoms). Also, fibromyalagia is a medical condition that leads to whole body pains, and is best treated with medications such as lyrica and neurontin, exercise, and physical therapy.

Your symptoms may be MS related. It is difficult to tell given I don’t have the luxury to review your medical records and do a physical examination. It is encouraging that you have had normal MRIs. If you are currently having symptoms, it would be best to have your symptoms re-evaluated by a neurologist. You may need to have additional testing such as an MRI, lumbar puncture (or spinal tap), or visual evoked potentials.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[bornworrier]

Forgot to mention, i have slight hearing loss I believe because its hard to hear with background noise.

And very very low libido.

Thank-you.