migraines or ms

[kc174]

I have had migraines with aura since I was a teenager, I am now in my forties. The last 2 months My arms fall asleep at night, I am very sensitive to light, have decreased sensation in my limbs on and off, increased anixety,my speech is a little off,..feel like I am in a brain fog. My mri says 6mm white matter in my brain...my neuro says ms not likely, and am having blood tests done to check for autoimmune., as well as repeat mri in a year. Has anyone had anything similar..it is frightening!

[kc174]

thank you so much for your responses...greatly appreciated

[tonyad]

   Hi there and Welcome to the Forum,
I am dx w/ MS and know how it feels to be in the "Limbo" stage of all the testing and waiting for answers.  The lesion found in your brain could very well be Migraine related.  Good to know that you are having blood work done to rule out all mimics of MS...lupus, b-12 deficiency, and several other things.

     Have you been over to the Multiple Sclerosis Forum? There you might like to just lurk and read and maybe even perhaps post w/ questions.  How are your Neuro exams when you go in to the Neurologist office?  Do you have any deficits?  They should be checking your balance, different reflexes, and a couple other things. These would be considered "Signs" of a Neurological problem. Symptoms would be what you are telling them that you are feeling yourself...something they cannot visually see.

      There is a certain Criteria that a doctor is supposed to follow when dx MS. Now I say supposed to because not all doctors play by the correct rules!  Let me tell you that an MRI is NOT supposed to be used soley as a Diagnostic tool in dx MS. There are several people who have been dx w/ MS and have NO brain lesions.

     I am in no way saying that you have MS. I am saying that it is good that you are being worked up for it and if you have the right doctors ( I would go to an MS Specialist), then you should be monitored closely. if they are not concerened and discount you then you need to move on to another.
Please let me know how your tests go.
~Tonya


    

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? It is good that initial impression of your MRI by your doctor is not MS. Hemiplegic migraine may present with stroke-like symptoms with sensory and loss of strength of muscles.  It is frightening to not know what is causing your symptoms but your doctors are on the right track. Hang on, have these tests and  repeat the MRI after a year to see any changes. Constant communication with your doctor greatly helps in managing and preventing your symptoms. Take care and do keep us posted with your blood tests.