Does this sound like MS?

[penguin106]

I just found this forum. I have an appointment with a Neurologist this month, but my Primary Care doc doesn't think that I have MS (but he made the appointment). I'm not so sure...I've got absolutely no balance (I can be standing somewhere and just fall over) I have days of slurred speech, seeing flashing lights (more commonly now than before) weakness, stiffness in most of my limbs and I often trip when I walk because I'll just be going along and boom...my foot stayed behind me or I can't get it high enough when walking, and it drags! I've always been a little clumsy, but now I'll be holding something and it just falls out of my hand, even though, I thought I was holding on. I feel drained most days, and just mentally dull...I have post it notes everywhere to help me remember. Now this morning, I woke up and my right hand and part of my arm were numb...it took 30 minutes to get feeling and motion back! Also, I've already been diagnosed with Raynaud's by my Primary. My aunt was diagnosed with MS over ten years ago. And all of my bloodwork and the MRI of my brain came back normal. Does anyone think this sounds like MS? Please feel free to respond...I'd really like to hear what you guys have to say, especially if anyone else has experienced this.

Thanks!

[penguin106]

It was great to hear you saying all these things, that I've been thinking.  My GP thinks it might be stress.  He told me that if all the blood tests come back clear, then we would assume stress, though it would be the last alternative (this was the first time I ever met him).  He did all the blood tests for Autoimmune's.  He was thinking something would show up there...in the ANA.  He tested the ANA and the Sedimentary Rate and all that, and it all came back within the normal range, although, he didn't tell me the numbers, so I don't know if they were on the high or low end.  I don't recall him mentioning B12...The MRI was done without contrast, and I guess the results are normal, because when I went back to his office for the results, he told me that we established that I had a brain.  (very nice, I know!)  But he's still concerned about my balance (which to me is less concerning then the flashing lights or the slurred speech) and he referred me to a neurologist.  I was hoping to avoid an LP because I heard that it can be dangerous, and can't be used to definitly diagnose MS.  Is this true?  Any other opinions would be greatly appreciated, because it helps to hear from all of you!

Thanks!

[penguin106]

Yes, my GP said he's wondering about STRESS!!  I wasn't even stressed until I met him.  I have all these symptoms that, to me, seem to all be of MS.  My aunt was first suspected of having MS ten years ago when she started seeing flashing lights.  Yet my GP says that this isn't a typical presentation of MS.  Also, I have a family history of MS...More than three people.  They did an MRI of the brain without contrast.  No LP or anything like that.  Hopefully the Neuro will be able to help.  Thank you guys for your opinions...I was beginning to doubt myself, and think that maybe it was just me, but it seems like alot of symptoms to just be stress.

[DragonTU84]

Oh my....

Just reading your symptoms, and just vaguely remembering the topic, I automatically assumed MS.

Sometimes the MRIs may miss a benign lump or lesion, yet nevertheless you can still be suffering from MS. Just because one MRI comes up clear, don't let that determine whether or not you have MS.

You obviously have all the classic, and even some rare (yet still common) side effects of people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.

*you have an obvious lack of balance and coordination, which is making your walking difficult

* the fact that you are seeing "flashing lights" is another indicator for MS. Some sufferers of MS complain of "visual disturbances," and I am sure that "flashing lights" falls under this factor

* you have constant fatigue/weakness in body and mind, and you stated that you felt drained and lack of energy as well as mentally dull - another typical symptom of MS

* your are getting stiffness of the limbs - which is also causing your legs to "drag" - another common symptom of individuals with a progressing MS syndrome.

* your mentioning of numbness in the extremities also is an indicator of MS - people often experience "pins and needles" or numbness in fingers, toes, hands and feet

* And LASTLY, you mentioned an even rarer - yet still obvious - symptom of MS - you said you have slurred or distorted speech. This only occurs in a number of sufferers from MS, but nevertheless, STILL a symptom.

I can't believe your doctor just dismissed you as not having MS. What does he/she think it is, "ANXIETY?" Trust me honey, I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, and it is NOTHING like what you are experiencing. What you are going through sounds like PURE MS to me!! DEFINATELY GO AND SEE THE NEURO!!!

I''d also recommend asking for another MRI, and one with contrast, for both the head and spine.

A Spinal Tap, although a more invasive procedure, can also be used to determine if you have MS if the MRI's keep coming back clear.

Also, did you get your ANA levels and b12 levels checked?? Just making sure. Yet to me it sounds like classic MS.

Your symptoms are all the clear indicators of it. I'd hate to have your GP as my doctor. DEFINATELY start going to see a specialist!!! They will know better as to how to properly test and diagnose you. I wish you the best!!

~Wishes and regards,
              Crystal~

[Pixiangelj]

It absolutely does sound like MS to me, I am no doctor. I have a large interest and experience in neurology. When they did your MRI was it brain and spinal? Have they done a lumbar puncture? Just because an MRI didn't show anything doesn't mean much, there are much more extensive testing that can be done. There are different weights that can be used, or contrasts- they should show different tissue densities and new scarring or lesions to the nerves. I would look more towards the neurologist and what he would have to say. Sometimes drs. are afraid to say anything cause they are on the line if that is not your diagnosis. Since you have a family history especially, that kinda supports the theory. This is my opinion, judging from what you describe makes the most sense. Keep in touch and let us know, don't be afraid for other opinions, Good luck~