Optic Inflammation and MS???

[Crysalyn30]

First a brief history.  Five years ago while on vacation (beach), I experienced tingling that started in my feet.  By the end of the 10 day trip felt "swollen" (like decreased sensation) from my hips down.  My legs started giving out on me.  I went to the ER and was admitted.  MD said he thought it was early MS.  Neuro said diabetic neuropathy.  ( I am not diabetic).  MRI's were normal.  I left the hospital and recovered.  Fast forward to 2013,  I noticed that it was more difficult to lift my left arm, but I could still do it.   I also had an episode where I didn't know where I was...not like getting lost but like my surroundings where unfamiliar...I started to panic then it came to me that I was in the same mall that I have been going to forever.  Then...a few months later the tingling and heaviness came but only on the left side.  My list of symptoms are much longer but I thought I'd narrow it down for times sake. :) I went to a neuro( who did an MRI with MS protocol (about 3 months after the start of symptoms...they were much better by then) because of my symptoms and hyperreflexia  it came back normal.  Normal NCS. Neuro still suspected MS. I was referred to a neurosurgeon because of a 5mm Chiari Malformation.  NS said that Chiari was not causing my problems and she thought it sounded like MS.  I recently visited my optometrist for an annual exam.  I mentioned to him that I have been seeing showers of lights.  Since dilation gives me headaches, I get the retinal scan.  This year showed that my optic nerves are inflamed.  The left one was dramatically different but the right one looked like it was inflamed as well.  Eye doc ask about neurological symptoms and I told him everything.  I told him my MRI was clear and he said that they needed to look harder.  I am going back to him for a VP? test which he said would test my field of vision.  So I guess that I would just like some feedback.  Could I have optic neuritis?  Could this all be connected and be MS?  I have done some research but it seems that optic neuritis is not usually in both eyes.  Eye doc did say that my CSF had to be elevated.  I have read about intercranial hypertension and while I do get strange headaches they aren't really as they describe.  I am really hoping this all makes sense. :)  I do know that I probably should have more testing and wait and see....but patience is not a virtue I possess. Thanks for reading!

[Crysalyn30]

Thank you both for your suggestions.  I will definitely get a referral to an ophthalmologist.  I have not had a lp yet although it has been suggested by all 3 of the doctors that I mentioned above.  Let's just say that I am not super excited by the idea of having one, but it looks like that will be my next step.  I will ask my neuro about optica neuromyelitis.  I hope you find out something soon Jennagreen, I know how hard it is to play the waiting game.  

[Jennagreen]

I'm sorry you are having these distressing symptoms. Have they done a spinal tap on you yet? I would push for one if not. My brain was clear in MRI though I had a spinal lesion that may or may not be caused by a herniated disk and neuro still wanted to do spinal tap.I had some hyperreflexivity of arms and legs. Spinal tap found oligoclonal bands.Hopefully doing EVP test tomorrow.  One of the conditions neuro is trying to rule out in my case may be something to ask about

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/neuromyelitis_optica/neuromyelitis_optica.htm

There is a blood test for this, but I don't think most places do it, my neuro sent mine out to the Mayo Clinic from the West Coast. Awaiting results.

[essdipity]

Hi and welcome.

I have time now to comment only on the eye part of your post. It's great that your optometrist is taking such interest in your eye problems, but an optometrist is not a medical doctor. To really scope this out you need an ophthalmologist, and preferably a neuro-ophthalmologist. These doctors are qualified to investigate and diagnose optic neuritis.

Best wishes.
ess