cis

[Suzie9]

Today i was diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome.I know a bit about this but would really like to hear from people who have it or know lots about it.
Thank you.
Suzie.

[floridamom2]

Hi Suzie!
I am undiagnosed but want you to know the little that I know.  CIS from what I know is a diagnosis that you have had one "demyelinating event".  MS is difficult to diagnose and there are certain criteria that need to be met in order to get a dx.  
We have a resident MD here who also has MS and her name is Quix.  She has done several Health Pages in the top right corner where you can go read about different MS type topics.  I suggest you read as many of these as you can to help you understand where your CIS fits in.
Welcome to the forum and I am sure you will enjoy the great support we have here with all our wonderful members!!
Hugs,
Kristin  

[Suzie9]

Hi Kristin,

Thank you for your post.I will have a look at the health pages.

Suzie.xx

[Momzilla]

Hey!  A diagnosis!  Yea!

How do you feel about your diagnosis?  Sad?  Relieved?  Not buying it?  

Inquiring minds want to know....

It's a slow day around here.  All of us on this side of the Pond are celebrating the 4th of July.  We'll be chattier tomorrow, most likely.  Feel well!

Zilla*

[Chris077]

That is my diagnois also, not confirmed and won't be till you have another attack. I'm doing meds, mine was optical neurtisis on 7.08.07, I will celebrate for making it one year without another attack hopefully. Been on meds, aveonox for 12 weeks now. You qualify for a couple different meds with one attack under most insurance companies. You have a 50-50 chance of having it or not, your decision on what best suits you. GOOD LUCK>

[Suzie9]

I feel ok about it.My neurologist was great and i'm booked in for lumbar puncture and a lymes test.I was negative for hughes.
I read that if like me you have lesions on brain and spine you are more likely to develop clinical MS.Is this correct?
I still only have mild symptoms.They are not thinking of giving me any medication for now,just a wait and see!
Suzie.

[MAGrl]

My diagnosis as well...3 lesions in my my spinal cord (C2-C3). My MS Dr does not want to treat with DMD's at this time.  LP was negative and no  lesions on the brain.  He wants to follow up with brain MRI's every 3 months for now.

There is quite a bit of information on the web about CIS.

Terry

[Suzie9]

Could you tell me what your symptoms are?I just have problems of burning and tingling around my spine and slight tingling ocassionally in my right toes.I have recently started having lots of muscle twiching especially my eyes.I realise this could be un related,anyone else experience this?
I have lesions in spine and brain and read this makes you at higher risk for developing MS.
I also read CIS can be the first presentation of relapsing remitting MS.Can it also lead onto other types of MS?
Thank you so much for your comments.So much to get your head around with this but this forum makes it much easier.
Suzie.x

[Suzie9]

so what should i expect from a lumbar puncture?does it hurt?

[kimstvr]

Hi Suzie, Just thought I'd chime in. I have had 2. My most recent in Dec 07. I  really had no pain just a bit of discomfort and just very nervous. I was lucky and had no spinal headache afterword. Although ppl have said if u happen to get a headache I guess the patches they do work rather well. Best of luck and just try to relax!       KIm

[Suzie9]

Thanks.I will do my best to try and relax.Is it ok to drive afterwards?My leaflet doesn't mention driving.
Suzie.

[hbananas]

No, you need someone to drive you home so you can lie flat in a reclining seat or even in the back, part of that spinal headache avoidance.

I did well afterwards, too.  I did have a lower backache, I think in part from all the lying around.  Drink up!
Holly

[Quixotic1]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.  We have a lot to offer you and I hope you find a good home with us.  This is a great place for support, information, free advice and fun.  

I actually know quite a bit about Clinically Isolated Syndromes.  There are several forms of them depending on how many attacks you have actually had (though it does mean specifically that you have only had one attack, many neurologists use the term to indicate people who are very likely to have MS, but the diagnostic data is not defintie).  It also depends on how many different kinds of symptoms you have had, and whether or not you have an abnormal brain or spine MRI.

Chris' statement about 50-50 chance is not quite correct.  In most CIS the likelihood of developing MS is typically much more like 80 to 90%, but may be as low as 10-20%.  The difference lies in whether or not the MRI was positive.

A good working definition of CIS is:

A single attack of neurologic symptoms of the kind seen in MS, accompanied by observable abnormality on neuro exam that indicates damage in the Central Nervous System.  If there is just one symptom (like Optic Neuritis) the term monosymptomatic is used with it.  If there are multiple symptoms they call the CIS polysymptomatic.  

If the MRI has 2 or more lesions "consistent" with MS (they down't have to be "classic" for MS) the chances of developing  Definite MS within the next few years is about 80-90%.  Many times, the neuro's chose to begin treament at this point.  A negative MRI at this point does NOT rule out MS, but the chance does drop.

Everyone should keep in mind that there is a big difference between "Definite Diagnosis" and "the decision to treat early."

I do invite you to tell us your whole story and ask any other questions.  We have a lot to give here.  I was a physician in my former life and do what I can to help answer questions here.

Welcome again,

Quix

[Suzie9]

Hi,thank you for your post,It was very interesting.I do have an abnormal MRI.Lesions on my