Does numbness & dizziness automatically mean I have MS?

[stryder20]

I have had one side of my face mildy numb (no paralysis) in the lower cheek area for a few weeks on & off. Out of those few weeks, I had mild dizziness for about two days. I went to an ENT thinking I might have an inner ear problem, and he automatically said to see a neurologist for possible MS. I feel like he really jumped to that conclusion prematurely since I only have these symptoms -- no vision problems, pain, imbalance, anything else. I am a 37 y/o female with no other health issues. Is there anyone out there who can help me with this? I've been very scared since I saw this doctor yesterday and worry at what this will do to my husband and kids if I have MS. Thank you.

[haveaquestion111]

I am also experiencing some numbness in my left arm and leg...and was also told it might be MS....I know how u feel right now..it is pretty scary...lets hope for the best!

[stryder20]

thank you. i hope it works out for both of us. i am seeing a neurologist next friday and will keep you posted.

[stryder20]

Oh, i forgot to ask you, were you told by a doctor that you might have ms? if so, was it a neurologist? thanks for your response.

[DrRakeshMD]

Hi

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and the spinal cord. It begins between the ages of 20-40 years and affects women more than men. It generally results from damage to myelin sheath and is a progressive disease which tends to worsen over time. There can be a variety of symptoms in MS including changes in sensation, muscle weakness, difficulties with coordination and balance difficulty in speech nd swallowing, visual problems, cognitive impairment. The initial attacks are generally asymptomatic and self-limited and the most common symptoms then include changes in sensation in the arms, legs or face, complete or partial vision loss, weakness and balance problems. It is essential to have proper tests done to ascertain the correct cause of these symptoms. Hence, you must seek the help of a neurologist at the earliest.

Best..

[haveaquestion111]

I was told by the Dr. I saw at the clinic. I am seeing my family Dr. next week.

[devlee]

Hi,
I started off the same way.. numbness in the chin, hearing loss, very slight imbalance.
I was 40 years old in 2000 when DR told me in had MS.  I taught aerobics for 20 years!  I had four young kids (10 to 16 years old).  I tried the meds (shots in the leg) for 9 weeks..I hated them!  I decided to live very healthy-NO DIET SODA, NO PROCESSED FOODS, LOTS OF FRUITS AND VEGGIES (organic only),8-10 hours sleep a night, exercise 4-6 days a week, take B-12 vitamins, get at least 20 minutes of direct sunlight every day.  I feel great but there has been some small changes in the last year...the left side of my face has a natural "botox" look.  I have not aged on that side since I was 40! I get botox on my right side to even things out.  I wear a stronger prescription in glasses (that is just age I'm sure).  I've gotten used to my hearing loss
( slightly better, in fact).  I take Adderal 30mg RX for consentration and energy it has been a God Sent.  Do not go on the MS website! DEPRESSING as hell!! Review your lifestyle, consider what the DRs say.  The shots are more than a $1000.00 a month, do they work??? Someone is getting very rich off of the drugs.  The money is in the treatment and not in the cure. DRs can not DX MS for sure, there is no perfect test to determine MS DX.  It is DX by a process of elimination.  Is your symptoms interferring in your life?  Are you having problems walking?  Are you not making it to the toilet? Are you so fatique that you can't get out of bed?  If you answeres NO...Don't let this make you sad or change who you are.  DRs have been known to be wrong, specially in the MS area.  Please live your life well!  It will be OK

[debj52]

im sorry to tell you the ms forum is not depressing as HELL as you put it.....IMHO it is the best and most caring site i have found ....so dont go ruining for other people if they can get some experience and knowledge why knock it...take care ....deb

[stryder20]

Hi, I am the original post. I really want to thank you for your response. Although, I do agree that some of the postings on here are a bit depressing, I also find them to be quite helpful -- along with yours. I agree with your response about doctors being wrong sometimes. I just can't believe that my ENT would automatically jump to MS when all I told him was that I have mild numbness in the same spot and mild vertigo--nothing else. He didn't even check me for an inner ear infection yet (will do that next month). Even the doctors that post on here say there are so many things these symptoms could mean! I hope you continue to do very well! It's amazing the kindness of complete strangers.

[Myhope360]

Hi,
I also have only one mild sympton, tingling in my right leg.  But to my shock my brain MRI came back showing multiple lesions.  I was completely unprepared for that kind of news.  I never thought I could have MS either, I hope you don't but keep in mind that there is a possibilty that you might have MS even with such mild symptoms.
Wish you the best and hope you don't have MS    

[Myhope360]

Hi stryder
My previous post was for you not devlee.  Sorry

[devlee]

8 years ago I went to the MS website for support and information.  They scared me to death!  I stated I just had some mild numbness on the left side of my face, all other test were negative and the DRs DX MS, by the time I read all the responses, I felt I was dombed to a wheelchair and adult diapers.  I needed to hear HOPE.  I did not want to hear "who has the saddest story of all".  Not one response told me.. you may not have MS, the DRs may be wrong, you should get a 2nd opinion.  I did hear however, I should start taking interferron drug therapy right away to slow down the progress.  I believe in "mind over matter".  I think positive.  I haven't gone to any MS sites since.  This is the first site in 8 years! You need HOPE when faced with a poosible life changing condition.  We are all looking for that one post that will give us some HOPE.  I HOPE you find the HOPE you are looking for!