Surgery Has that caused my MS to appear?

[Bridget Joyce]

I was dx last yr with MS however going back to 94 & 95 I had spinal fusion, I had boan graft which did not take , I am in pain everyday with the back. Would the surgery have brought on the MS??

Regards BRidget Joyce

[CCF Neuro[P] MD< RPS]

thanks for your comment.

CCF Neuro MD

[kim]

Hello Bridget, your post caught my eye.  I am undergoing tests for possible MS and I too have had back surgeries.  The first in 1992, then a bony fusion in 1996 which didn't take and then  titanium cages in 1998.  I have heard of others ask the same question as you did.  It does make you wonder if there is any link.  

[Paul]

What is Lhermitte's sign?  Is it present all the time or does it come and go?   How do you check for it (standing? sitting?).  When I bend my neck forward-sometimes I feel a twinge in my arch-not both only one and never standing.  Only occassionally not all the time.  Could this be it?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

thanks for the comment.

CCF Neuro MD

[nancy]

Bridget,

Im sorry to hear about your back problems.  How are you doing with your MS?  IM having some really bad neurological problems (tingling, muscle burning, twitching, tremors) Can I ask how they finally diagnosed you with MS?  I have low back problems as well.  Any ifo you can give me would be appreciated.  Best of luck to you!

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Bridget Joyce:

It is highly unlikely that surgery would cause your MS.  The etiology of MS is currently unknown, but the thinking is that it is viral.  There is a higher incidence of MS in people who live in the northern latitudes (at least until they are teenagers), there is a genetic component but also an environmental component  (likely you need the genetic predisposition and then whatever the insult, viral or whatever, might be).  As far as I know, there are no reports of surgery induced MS.  Likely, you just have the unfortunate luck of having a bad back and MS.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD