anxiety or ms?

[lydamu]

I am a 22 year old female. For the past three months I have been experiencing several sensory symptoms which have terrified me into thinking that I have some sort of neurological problem. (I think it is important to note that just before this time I ironically began working for the MS Society. It began with a sort of tingling in my right leg which then sort of spread into my hands (no numbness - I could feel when the dr. touched me with a cotton ball etc. I also then developed a frequent eye twitch in my left eye. I went to my GP who saw how upset I was and she ordered a brain MRI and full bloodword to calm me down (both came back normal). However, I have also had a string of other symptoms - muscle twitching mainly in my legs and feet but I also get them in my arms and stomache even occasionally. (Dr. also believed it to be anxiety). I have the most bizzare vibrating/buzzing (like a cell phone) sensation in my left foot (not the entire foot, just in places - mainly the top right side near the arch) it occassionally migrates over to the right foot (never as bad as the left though) and its kind of off and on. I also have this buzzing behind my right shoulder blade which drives me nuts! I went back to the doctor to explain my new symptoms and she once again believed them to be anxiety related. I have had lots of little "neuro tests" done on reflexes/testing for normal sensation etc.(all were normal) by my GP but have not seen a neurologist. Possibly unrelated I also will have periods of time on and off where I feel like i need to urinate much more frequently (even though not much will come out so I dont dont if it is just more the sensation) - i had an ultrasound done that showed that i AM empyting my bladder fully. And last but not least I also get feeling of weakness (and a little bit achy) in my right arm and leg mainly (I think this is perceived as the doctor did tests where i was supposed to squeeze his fingers, push/pull on his hands etc. and said my muscle strength seemed normal) but it just feel as though it gets tired much more easily, I can still lift weights with it though. I also at times feel like I’m forgetting to breath and it terrifies me… So this is pretty much what I have been going through and the tests that have been done. Does this sound like a neurological problem, such as ms????? or als? and should I be getting further testing? or does this sound like anxiety? I am extremely worried and upset and my GP wont refer me to a neuro yet because she is convinced it is anxiety.

[sunny_p]

Hi, I'm a 28 year old Asian male and I do have the similar symptoms.
It started with me admitting to emergency department after having pain in my left side (It was because of Acidity and Gas) and I took it for stroke. all of my blood work, EKG, Echocardigram and Chest X-rays were normal.
I was later treated for h pylori infection and GERD. Abdomen ultrasound and tests for digestive systems are normal too. Cholesterol and blood sugar levels are normal.
I'm non smoker and non drinker and I have healthy food habits, an active person, BMI is 21.5.
I have strange burning sensation in my arms and pain in abdomen and chest.
in the morning I wake up very shaky and jittery. sometimes I have vertigo and vibrations. I feel cold and hot sensations. sometimes I feel my one hand or one part of my body is colder/warmer than the other. I also feel strange pain in my body and headache on and off.
I don't feel such pain or sensations below my wrist. I don't feel tingling or numbness but the burning sensation in my arms and back pain on and off.
my GP has ruled out Carpel tunnel or any such problem.
I'm taking Priolesec for GERD for over one month, and I heard it can cause B12 deficiency in long term. I'm a vegetarian but I drink a lot of milk and eat protein bar and other vitamin fortified cereals.
My doctor thinks it is anxiety/nervousness/panic. I was very nervous when I was admitted to Emergency (My BP was 174/84 initially, which came down to normal 120/70 shortly after).
Do I need to go any neuro checkup or MRI or any other test?

[CB1977]

  I have had many of these symptoms and doctors have not been able to pinpoint it.  If yoou find anything out please come back and post it.  Thanks.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,
How are you?
It is possible that your symptoms are due to excessive anxiety. If so, I would suggest you to take a mild tranquilizer like alprazolam and see if it helps you.
However other possibilities like fibromyalgia, diabetes and peripheral neuropathy due to B12 deficiency cannot be ruled out. Please discuss these possibilities with your treating doctor and keep us posted!
Take care!

[overit2]

I have convinced myself that I to have MS.  I am sitting here now with my head on fire and my face has tingling.  I have suffered from anxiety forever and over the years it has been better because I seem to know now after years of research that anxiety causes so many ailments.  Not that you can't get MS or ALS, it is highly unlikely.  I would like to recdommend that you research as much as you can about anxiety and its causes and symptoms.  It will help u be able to get it under control more.  Also, if you have a strong faith, turn to it and GOD will help u through prayer.  I would go ahead and see a neurologist to determine that I was ok and ease my mind.  If the Doc won't refer you, then get another Doctor.  

[ctcollins]

Hello, I too have a fear that i have either ALS or MS, If you feel you might have MS you should ask your Neruologist to give you an lumbar test to see if the protein in your Cerebrospinal fluid is elevated.

Good Luck