Ruling out Multiple Sclerosis or What?

[Halash]

I am 41 year old female.  Had a series of problems that I think are related-Dr.s think "no".  Started with a hacking cough with slight fever. Few weeks later, cough subsided and grew into asthma.  I then developed hives around my waist and sometimes on lips.  Subsided within a few hours.  Asthma and hives off and on.  Also had a sore to touch pain in abdomen on right side just below ribs (gallbaldder removed)that would come and go. Had a severe asthma attack. Lung x-ray, blood work and liver function test normal.  Treated for asthma. Few weeks later got a whiplash. Had numbness that traveled around body, my tongue became swollen and "looked like I was sick", some headache with tightness in scalp and I didn't feel right.  Went to a Neurologist.  Exam was normal.  Had MRI of brain and Cervical.  MRI showed 4 tiny non-enhancing lesions in white matter and cervical showed mild degenerative disc disease. Dr. thought migraine (have migraines with aura every 1-1 1/2 years)but wanted to test for other causes- Lyme, Lupus, MS, etc.  Spinal Tap, EP, SEP, SSEP, etc. all normal except Lyme Elisa was pos./Western Blot neg. Had repeat MRI of brain, Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar 1 year later. MRI of brain was identical to first and nothing enhanced.  No lesions on Cervical,Thoracic or Lumbar.  Thoracic and Lumbar showed degenerative disc with one thoracic bulging and slightly compressing cord. Dr. said-no MS.  I then went to 2 other Neuros and a GP for opinions- Dr.'s are best Neuros in Orange County, CA.  All say -no MS?  I think this is all related in some way.  What do your think this is?

[Halash]

I have had all those tests run-ANA, Sed Rate, etc. with my spinal tap and all were negative.

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

Could be related, but with the normal results of an extensive workup that has included followup MRIs and a full battery of MS testing, it fortunately makes the possibility of MS less likely. Nonspecific white matter changes on an MRI of the brain can certainly be seen in patients with migraines. The involvement of the respiratory system and skin rash make me think of a rheumatological disorder such as lupus or a mixed connective tissue disease.  One route that you may want to consider is to seek a rheumatological consult. Talk to your PCP about this. Perhaps he/she can run some prelimary bloodwork to look for immune markers such as an ANA panel, sed rate, and CRP. Good luck.