Loss of balance and double vision

[mathswhizz]

I have spells where I am perfectly OK and others where I stumble badly almost always to the left.  there is no particular pattern -it can be on standing, walking or even standing still. When it is really bad I have to use walking stick. Also have monocular double vision and what I see tends to jump up and down.  Last night saw a bad double image of someone on a bike - saw a rainbow shaped edge about 3 inches tall all the way round the rider's head.  Balance is poor today. Had problem for a number of years but number of times I have bad days is now more than the number of good.  MS is in the family.  Am I worrying unnecessarily or could I have it too? Optician and Opthalmologist can't provide answers.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[LivingInHope]

Have both of you been checked for brain tumors/growths and if none found with a general brain scan, have they made sure both of you don't have a pituitary tumor, which often cannot be seen on the general scan, and therefore, one should have a dynamic pituitary MRI to look for?  When pituitary or pituitary/hypothalamic tumors press on the optic nerve they can cause visual problems.  

[momwithquestions]

I have had similar situations and still do.  I was diagnosed with Vertigo (cause unknown) a few years back and the ENT continues to say that is most likely the cause.  Recently I have also been diagnosed with low blood pressure because my blood pressure is normal then all of a sudden drops really fast and I pass out.  I was told that this condition could be a cause for my vertigo as well.  I also have began to go blind in my left eye but the cause is unknown.  I was told that with my symptoms the best place to start is with a neurologist and with MS that would be the right path for you to take.  They can determine if you are at risk for MS or have already developed it.