Aa
Suspicious Combonation of Symptoms
Uncertain if this is the appropriate community to post this but per the advise of another participant on this forum, I elected this page first. I'm a mother, 44 years old, and have experienced suspicious symptoms for nearly 6 years. First onset was in 2007, three months of vertigo, fatigue, excessive tiredness though obtained sufficient sleep, slurred speech, numbness and tingling in left arm and leg. Additionally, flu-like symptoms and overall tiredness mirroring the same as nauseousness. After an evaluation from an ENT, he immediately stressed his concern of MS, and ordered an MRI (brain and cervical spine). I immediately scheduled an appointment with a neurologist and walked the MRI films in with me. The neurologist confirmed no "significant" findings on the MRI of which I remained suspicious considering my debilitating symptoms. Shortly after, and with symptoms persisting, I located another neurologist to review the findings and evaluate me further. He ordered additional tests such as, evoked potentials, nerve conduction studies, and a skin grating test along with an MRI of my thoracic and concurred that no findings suggestive of MS were present but indicated he was suspicious of my symptoms. Again, this was all conducted in 2007. Third time is a charm right? Visited with a third Neurologist nearing the end of 2007, who is an MS Specialist. After a thorough examination and reviewing my MRIs, and all other testing, she indicated no presence of MS, but also quickly stated that she saw a lesion, but in her words, "it is in the wrong place and not the correct shape for MS."
Regardless of feeling horrible, I had to grit my teeth with hope and prayers that this suspicious undetermined episode would pass....... and it did after three months. In 2012, these suspicious symptoms recurred representative of what I experienced in 2007. They nearly mirrored with the exception that new symptoms such as muscle cramping especially in my two middle toes on both feet, hip soreness / left leg and arm weakness, and blurred vision this time. And here we go again, sought medical care with a neurologist in a different state this time around and had an MRI of the brain accompanied by the cervical spine, an LP (ouch...never again thank you very much), but no nerve conduction studies or evoked potentials this time around. The findings were inconclusive with the exception of a bulging disc and a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease (C2 C3-C4-C5-C6). A biking accident in my youth was the culprit in which I landed a few broken bones in which I have some arthritis which I expected later in life with these types of fractures.
In current day, and approximately three months ago, I began to feel quite oddly again. Vertigo, blurred vision, muscle stiffness and pain in neck on both sides, shoulder pain this time around, mild slurred speech, unexplained fatigue, numbness and tingling in both hands and bottom of feet but mostly felt in left hand and foot, left eyelid twitching, mild facial numbness primarily focused on left side. Every morning I wake up hoping these symptoms subside but they are very apparent every morning and remain.
My question is this... Has anyone experienced a combination of both MS and Disc disease? My PCP suggested I see a spinal surgeon and an internist, but I'm more of the thought that a neurologist would be better suited in this area of symptoms. When I conveyed this chronological history since 2007 to my physician, he did not comment on anything other than sharing a large neurology group for setting up an appointment if I so choose. The earliest I can be seen is august 3rd. I've contacted 4 independent neurology practices, and not one can see me before that date. I've relocated out of state 4 times in the last 5 years but have all results from each physician. Very frustrating, even with my name on a cancellation list, I must remain idle with suspicions.
Thoughts or shared experiences on this issue? If this is not the appropriate forum for this question please do not hesitate to inform me. I'm new at this and just attempting to locate others who may be of the same position.
Regardless of feeling horrible, I had to grit my teeth with hope and prayers that this suspicious undetermined episode would pass....... and it did after three months. In 2012, these suspicious symptoms recurred representative of what I experienced in 2007. They nearly mirrored with the exception that new symptoms such as muscle cramping especially in my two middle toes on both feet, hip soreness / left leg and arm weakness, and blurred vision this time. And here we go again, sought medical care with a neurologist in a different state this time around and had an MRI of the brain accompanied by the cervical spine, an LP (ouch...never again thank you very much), but no nerve conduction studies or evoked potentials this time around. The findings were inconclusive with the exception of a bulging disc and a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease (C2 C3-C4-C5-C6). A biking accident in my youth was the culprit in which I landed a few broken bones in which I have some arthritis which I expected later in life with these types of fractures.
In current day, and approximately three months ago, I began to feel quite oddly again. Vertigo, blurred vision, muscle stiffness and pain in neck on both sides, shoulder pain this time around, mild slurred speech, unexplained fatigue, numbness and tingling in both hands and bottom of feet but mostly felt in left hand and foot, left eyelid twitching, mild facial numbness primarily focused on left side. Every morning I wake up hoping these symptoms subside but they are very apparent every morning and remain.
My question is this... Has anyone experienced a combination of both MS and Disc disease? My PCP suggested I see a spinal surgeon and an internist, but I'm more of the thought that a neurologist would be better suited in this area of symptoms. When I conveyed this chronological history since 2007 to my physician, he did not comment on anything other than sharing a large neurology group for setting up an appointment if I so choose. The earliest I can be seen is august 3rd. I've contacted 4 independent neurology practices, and not one can see me before that date. I've relocated out of state 4 times in the last 5 years but have all results from each physician. Very frustrating, even with my name on a cancellation list, I must remain idle with suspicions.
Thoughts or shared experiences on this issue? If this is not the appropriate forum for this question please do not hesitate to inform me. I'm new at this and just attempting to locate others who may be of the same position.
Best Answer
COMMUNITY LEADER
Okay, here's my 'cough cough' wisdom and insight lol
"If "The standard MS exam was also completed and appeared normal" again, the odds of what you experience (over an 8 year time frame) being caused by a neurological condition like MS, actually becomes quite low on the list of possible causes.
Just the fact you have no 'clinical' abnormalities or physical manifestations of lesion damage, consistently over 8 years would be a red flag pointing away from MS!"
I can't get past the fact that you are missing neurologically 'abnormal clinical signs' which would of at least been suggested/consistent, if you don't have any clinically abnormal neurological indicators, then your overlooking the neuro basics!
Your 'symptoms' are non-specific, plus having normal neurological signs, would imho make the likelihood of you having spinal cord lesions extremely unlikely......
1). Is it possible to have a clean brain MRI of no clinical findings of ms and not order an MRI of spine to further that non clinical finding?
A) Confused by your wording but If you mean to confirm there are no clinical findings of MS in the spinal cord....when there isn't any clinically abnormal neurological signs, you already don't have any diagnostically suggestive signs that there could be cord lesions. A spinal MRI would be an expensive way to provide additional confirmation, that you still don't have any diagnostic evidence of spinal cord lesions....
2). Is it still possible to have lesions / abnormalities on the spine and not the brain? (I believe yes).
A) There are two different parts to this, Q1) is it possible to have (cord) lesions and not the brain? (A) diagnostically not all cord lesions are MS eg transverse myelitis, Neuromyelitis optica etc so technically yes it's possible but in relations to your diagnostic factual evidence, you still don't have abnormal clinical signs of cord lesions, so the possibility is hardly worth considering.
(Q2) is it possible to have abnormalities of the spine and not the brain? Structural abnormalities alone are a lot more common, so yes and considering you already know you have DDD the probability is higher.
3). And in my case, symptoms etc... Why would the neurologist draw that conclusion to not order the MRI of the spine? Or better way to put it, I'm imagining she had some reason not to order a spine MRI but just did not share that explanation.
A) The logical rational for your MS neuro not ordering a spinal MRI, is that you don't have any clinical abnormalities or specific symptoms suggestive of a spinal causation to warrant ordering one.
Keep in mind that she's not of the opinion that MS is your answer, based on there not being any MS suggestive/consistent abnormal evidence and she specialises in MS right. Your brain MRI did find your pituitary gland is suspicious, which she admitted wasn't her area but she still sent you for blood tests which may still provide diagnostic answers, and or indicate which type of specialist is better suited to your personal diagnostic information.
I would suggest that you stop looking for loop holes around it still possibly being MS, when all your diagnostic evidence is pointing away from a neurological condition like MS. Whilst i think a spinal specialist would be best to answer any speculations about your DDD and investigate related issues eg peripheral neuropathy etc
It might actually be more economically prudent to wait until your blood tests come back, and or before continuing to look for alternative spinal explanations, you consider seeing an endocrinologist regarding the possibility of you having a pituitary disorder causing your symptoms..
Food for thought..........JJ
"If "The standard MS exam was also completed and appeared normal" again, the odds of what you experience (over an 8 year time frame) being caused by a neurological condition like MS, actually becomes quite low on the list of possible causes.
Just the fact you have no 'clinical' abnormalities or physical manifestations of lesion damage, consistently over 8 years would be a red flag pointing away from MS!"
I can't get past the fact that you are missing neurologically 'abnormal clinical signs' which would of at least been suggested/consistent, if you don't have any clinically abnormal neurological indicators, then your overlooking the neuro basics!
Your 'symptoms' are non-specific, plus having normal neurological signs, would imho make the likelihood of you having spinal cord lesions extremely unlikely......
1). Is it possible to have a clean brain MRI of no clinical findings of ms and not order an MRI of spine to further that non clinical finding?
A) Confused by your wording but If you mean to confirm there are no clinical findings of MS in the spinal cord....when there isn't any clinically abnormal neurological signs, you already don't have any diagnostically suggestive signs that there could be cord lesions. A spinal MRI would be an expensive way to provide additional confirmation, that you still don't have any diagnostic evidence of spinal cord lesions....
2). Is it still possible to have lesions / abnormalities on the spine and not the brain? (I believe yes).
A) There are two different parts to this, Q1) is it possible to have (cord) lesions and not the brain? (A) diagnostically not all cord lesions are MS eg transverse myelitis, Neuromyelitis optica etc so technically yes it's possible but in relations to your diagnostic factual evidence, you still don't have abnormal clinical signs of cord lesions, so the possibility is hardly worth considering.
(Q2) is it possible to have abnormalities of the spine and not the brain? Structural abnormalities alone are a lot more common, so yes and considering you already know you have DDD the probability is higher.
3). And in my case, symptoms etc... Why would the neurologist draw that conclusion to not order the MRI of the spine? Or better way to put it, I'm imagining she had some reason not to order a spine MRI but just did not share that explanation.
A) The logical rational for your MS neuro not ordering a spinal MRI, is that you don't have any clinical abnormalities or specific symptoms suggestive of a spinal causation to warrant ordering one.
Keep in mind that she's not of the opinion that MS is your answer, based on there not being any MS suggestive/consistent abnormal evidence and she specialises in MS right. Your brain MRI did find your pituitary gland is suspicious, which she admitted wasn't her area but she still sent you for blood tests which may still provide diagnostic answers, and or indicate which type of specialist is better suited to your personal diagnostic information.
I would suggest that you stop looking for loop holes around it still possibly being MS, when all your diagnostic evidence is pointing away from a neurological condition like MS. Whilst i think a spinal specialist would be best to answer any speculations about your DDD and investigate related issues eg peripheral neuropathy etc
It might actually be more economically prudent to wait until your blood tests come back, and or before continuing to look for alternative spinal explanations, you consider seeing an endocrinologist regarding the possibility of you having a pituitary disorder causing your symptoms..
Food for thought..........JJ
Agh agreed also ... But my pcp wants it ordered by the Neuro ...argh!!
I'm all for multi purpose testing in cases such as these also.
Still have no word on radiologist report and not certain if I will receive any until next appointment. This waiting game sure is a nail bitter isn't it?
Sure is comfort sharing this with those who understand and who have and are enduring the craziness of it all. ;))) :-O
I'm all for multi purpose testing in cases such as these also.
Still have no word on radiologist report and not certain if I will receive any until next appointment. This waiting game sure is a nail bitter isn't it?
Sure is comfort sharing this with those who understand and who have and are enduring the craziness of it all. ;))) :-O
:-)
Took your advice and already left a message for a very reputable spinal surgeon for evaluation. The positive about him is that he will use surgical intervention as a last resort. If I can get into him sooner, I know he will order either an X-ray and or MRI of the spine.
The magnet used in his facility is s 3T which is nice also.
Off to bed you go sweet lady. Agreed....would be curious with JJs wisdom / insight on this also. Ox ox night night :))
Took your advice and already left a message for a very reputable spinal surgeon for evaluation. The positive about him is that he will use surgical intervention as a last resort. If I can get into him sooner, I know he will order either an X-ray and or MRI of the spine.
The magnet used in his facility is s 3T which is nice also.
Off to bed you go sweet lady. Agreed....would be curious with JJs wisdom / insight on this also. Ox ox night night :))
You could have your pcp order a spine mri. If it was also okay, that would definitely put your mind at ease. Give the degeneration you know you have, it probably wouldn't hurt to take a look at your spine anyway (look for compression, for instance). When was the last time your DDD was checked out?
I'm all for multi-purposing medical testing where possible. :P
Not sure how it works in the States, but my gp (pcp) is sending me for brain, c- and t-spine in September, since my neuro has dropped the ball. He is also asking for my original scans (the ones that suggested ms only with no differentials, then mri 2 that met McDonald criteria) to be re-read just to see if perhaps there was an error made by the original radiologist.
Another one with a perfected eye roll ;). The long and winding road ...
I'm all for multi-purposing medical testing where possible. :P
Not sure how it works in the States, but my gp (pcp) is sending me for brain, c- and t-spine in September, since my neuro has dropped the ball. He is also asking for my original scans (the ones that suggested ms only with no differentials, then mri 2 that met McDonald criteria) to be re-read just to see if perhaps there was an error made by the original radiologist.
Another one with a perfected eye roll ;). The long and winding road ...
I think normally lesions would appear on the upper spine/neck/cervical area. I know they can appear lower, but less usual I think.
One of the medical bods like JJ would know more about that than me though.
For the DDD though, full spine without head would be pretty standard depending where you'd had problems before.
Just makes it so confusing to the lay person.
Said I was off to bed nearly an hour ago, and still here!
One of the medical bods like JJ would know more about that than me though.
For the DDD though, full spine without head would be pretty standard depending where you'd had problems before.
Just makes it so confusing to the lay person.
Said I was off to bed nearly an hour ago, and still here!
LOL.... couldn't agree with you more on that one..... rolling eyes here also.
Interesting part is this is an MS Specialist so it would seem logical to order the full spine MRI considering symptoms. Or at least provide explanation as to why not. Geez.....
Couldn't agree more with the Internist on this one yet it probably should have been the MS Specialist to order the spine.
Now I have to wait until August. Or see someone else. I'd rather have both ruled out than just one.
Sheesh.
Interesting part is this is an MS Specialist so it would seem logical to order the full spine MRI considering symptoms. Or at least provide explanation as to why not. Geez.....
Couldn't agree more with the Internist on this one yet it probably should have been the MS Specialist to order the spine.
Now I have to wait until August. Or see someone else. I'd rather have both ruled out than just one.
Sheesh.
Alex/sc
I guess it depends on the Neuro too.
My MS Neuro wanted brain, optic and c spine with contrast to help with an MS dx.
My Neurosurgeon wanted full spine to look at my disc problems.
Suppose it will depend what they think they are investigating - in any event they should tell the patient!
... and no pain control either. Pain Clinics are prob the better option there too.
Rolls eyes
I guess it depends on the Neuro too.
My MS Neuro wanted brain, optic and c spine with contrast to help with an MS dx.
My Neurosurgeon wanted full spine to look at my disc problems.
Suppose it will depend what they think they are investigating - in any event they should tell the patient!
... and no pain control either. Pain Clinics are prob the better option there too.
Rolls eyes
I do find it interesting that each physician holds contrasting reasoning for their decisions. That said, it creates doubt in the patient as to what the proper direction would be when you don't know which physician is correct in your case.
It's interesting as tremors (or some may coin them as shakiness) are one of the symptoms that come and go. Mine are subtle, but noticeable when it occurs.
It was probably my error for not inquiring further why the spine MRI would not be ordered.
It was probably my error for not inquiring further why the spine MRI would not be ordered.
Most people with MS only get brain MRIs only. You can ask your neurologist for one. They are more expensive than brain MRIs and usually inconclusive if you move at all. If you do not have tremors it should be okay.
Alex
Alex
Thanks everyone. This path is interesting no doubt and concerning. My only question here is this. The neurologist specifically stated that there was no need to order an MRI of the spine. This was after I inquired if one should be ordered considering the symptoms of my lower extremities.
I'm asking for the reason below.
This morning I had an appointment with an internist per the recommendation of the ER physician awhile back when these symptoms began. After providing my historical background and current symptoms, the internist asked, "have you discussed these symptoms with a neuroligist as this sounds more like MS".
I nearly fell out of my chair and almost had to chuckle considering what I just discussed with the neurologist the day before. :-)
I politely explained that I just saw a neuroligist and she did not see anything but a pituitary gland concern and an enlarged ventricle at this time.
I shared that after injuring about an MRI of the C-spine, that the neurologist did not want to order this as it was not necessary.
The internist shared that it's absolutely necessary to order an MRI of the spine considering my symptoms and was not sure why the neurologist did not want to order one..... I could not help but to shake my head a bit over the polar opposite in whether or not an MRI of the spine should be ordered. I can understand why some including myself are at our wits end when contradictions such as this occur.
So the questions remaining are:
1). Is it possible to have a clean brain MRI of no clinical findings of ms and not order an MRI of spine to further that non clinical finding?
2). Is it still possible to have lesions / abnormalities on the spine and not the brain? (I believe yes).
3). And in my case, symptoms etc... Why would the neurologist draw that conclusion to not order the MRI of the spine? Or better way to put it, I'm imagining she had some reason not to order a spine MRI but just did not share that explanation.
Perhaps some here could shed light on the above. Lastly, no doubt my DDD is playing a role in this also but want to try and pin point anything else of concern or rule out if possible. Anyhow, thought a few here would find a little humor in what happened this morning as it seems common. :-))
I'm asking for the reason below.
This morning I had an appointment with an internist per the recommendation of the ER physician awhile back when these symptoms began. After providing my historical background and current symptoms, the internist asked, "have you discussed these symptoms with a neuroligist as this sounds more like MS".
I nearly fell out of my chair and almost had to chuckle considering what I just discussed with the neurologist the day before. :-)
I politely explained that I just saw a neuroligist and she did not see anything but a pituitary gland concern and an enlarged ventricle at this time.
I shared that after injuring about an MRI of the C-spine, that the neurologist did not want to order this as it was not necessary.
The internist shared that it's absolutely necessary to order an MRI of the spine considering my symptoms and was not sure why the neurologist did not want to order one..... I could not help but to shake my head a bit over the polar opposite in whether or not an MRI of the spine should be ordered. I can understand why some including myself are at our wits end when contradictions such as this occur.
So the questions remaining are:
1). Is it possible to have a clean brain MRI of no clinical findings of ms and not order an MRI of spine to further that non clinical finding?
2). Is it still possible to have lesions / abnormalities on the spine and not the brain? (I believe yes).
3). And in my case, symptoms etc... Why would the neurologist draw that conclusion to not order the MRI of the spine? Or better way to put it, I'm imagining she had some reason not to order a spine MRI but just did not share that explanation.
Perhaps some here could shed light on the above. Lastly, no doubt my DDD is playing a role in this also but want to try and pin point anything else of concern or rule out if possible. Anyhow, thought a few here would find a little humor in what happened this morning as it seems common. :-))
COMMUNITY LEADER
There may or may not be something abnormal going on with your pituitary enlargement, your not pregnant and your under 50 so there are limits for it to be normal enlargement changes. The enhancing part is suspicious, possibly mass/growth (noncancerous - benign as most are) or vascular lesion related, keep in mind it may be something that doesn't come with a simple answer...
Related information:
http://radiopaedia.org/articles/pituitary-gland
http://radiopaedia.org/articles/pituitary-mri-an-approach
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-gland-disorders/overview-of-the-pituitary-gland
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/pituitary-disorders/
At least it's a potential direction that's being checked out, and even if it doesn't turn out to be the right answer, hopefully you'll at least be closer, right?
Hugs.........JJ
Related information:
http://radiopaedia.org/articles/pituitary-gland
http://radiopaedia.org/articles/pituitary-mri-an-approach
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-gland-disorders/overview-of-the-pituitary-gland
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/pituitary-disorders/
At least it's a potential direction that's being checked out, and even if it doesn't turn out to be the right answer, hopefully you'll at least be closer, right?
Hugs.........JJ
Sounds good. Understand that a radiology report is vague and does not change what the neurologist says. I am not sure what specialist deals with the pituitary gland. Mine is always enlarged on CT and MRIs but my doctors always say it does not mean anything. May be in your case it does. I hope you get a diagnosis sooner than later. It took me over 40 years to be diagnosed with MS and 4 to be diagnosed with cancer. They always knew I had something wrong with my brain. It was before MRIs so they called it brain damage. When the first neurologist said it was MS it took two more years. I had 4 MRIs that showed MS and 12 obands on the LP. I had everything to be diagnosed but it still took a neurologist to say it was MS. I hope you get an answer sooner.
At least ask for symptom relief. A GP can do that with out a diagnosis. You do not have a name to treat things like nerve pain or muscle spasms.
Alex
At least ask for symptom relief. A GP can do that with out a diagnosis. You do not have a name to treat things like nerve pain or muscle spasms.
Alex
HVAC..... yes, I stand corrected, the cd that houses the scans. I still call them films. Apologies.
First and foremost, a sincere thank you to everyone for your support and kindness. Could not have been more nervous and scared considering my body is just not cooperating. Further, the historical background of my symptoms do not enlist confidence either.
Regardless, here is how the appointment went. Neurologist walked in, sat down, inserted the cd I placed on computer :) and began to review. Very quiet, and completely focused. Brain MRI was conducted w and w/out contrast.
As stated, Neurologist did not see any spots, but narrowed in on an abnormality with my pituitary. An enhancement around the area with the pituitary being enlarged.
It was evident as it was pointed out to us but the Neurologist also declared that this was not their area of specialty which we understood and respected.
The Neurologist was still perplexed as to the causation of symptoms and was more than willing to order more tests such as Lyme Disease, Immunoglobulin and a few others. This pleased both of us so I navigated offsite to another facility for blood work immediately after the appointment. No fasting required for these tests.
Additionally, the Neurologist very clearly noted that my right ventricle is enlarged. This was confirmed as probably congenital. We could definitely see this on the scan as right ventricle being much larger than the left. I was surprised at the difference in size from the left.
So in a nutshell, the enlarged (suspicious enhancement surrounding) pituitary is what the physician was more focused, but again, did not want to comment further until the Radiologist report comes through. I'm sure when that report arrives, I will either be contacted or wait to discuss during next appointment which is in the beginning of September. I will try to get in sooner.
I was very pleased with the visit and felt that many of our questions were answered. It was reiterated that MS is not ruled out but that these scans lessen the notion of MS at this time ;)
The Neurologist stated that sometimes it takes years for things to present clinically. Further, that many patients have these symptoms, but never reach a dx.
Been a toush few weeks, but appreciative that after pushing diligently, I was able to be seen much sooner.
Again, please do not think that I take the support here lightly. On the contrary. I appreciate all who have inquired.
Will update when I have the radiologist report to see what their assessment is on the MRI.
ox ox
First and foremost, a sincere thank you to everyone for your support and kindness. Could not have been more nervous and scared considering my body is just not cooperating. Further, the historical background of my symptoms do not enlist confidence either.
Regardless, here is how the appointment went. Neurologist walked in, sat down, inserted the cd I placed on computer :) and began to review. Very quiet, and completely focused. Brain MRI was conducted w and w/out contrast.
As stated, Neurologist did not see any spots, but narrowed in on an abnormality with my pituitary. An enhancement around the area with the pituitary being enlarged.
It was evident as it was pointed out to us but the Neurologist also declared that this was not their area of specialty which we understood and respected.
The Neurologist was still perplexed as to the causation of symptoms and was more than willing to order more tests such as Lyme Disease, Immunoglobulin and a few others. This pleased both of us so I navigated offsite to another facility for blood work immediately after the appointment. No fasting required for these tests.
Additionally, the Neurologist very clearly noted that my right ventricle is enlarged. This was confirmed as probably congenital. We could definitely see this on the scan as right ventricle being much larger than the left. I was surprised at the difference in size from the left.
So in a nutshell, the enlarged (suspicious enhancement surrounding) pituitary is what the physician was more focused, but again, did not want to comment further until the Radiologist report comes through. I'm sure when that report arrives, I will either be contacted or wait to discuss during next appointment which is in the beginning of September. I will try to get in sooner.
I was very pleased with the visit and felt that many of our questions were answered. It was reiterated that MS is not ruled out but that these scans lessen the notion of MS at this time ;)
The Neurologist stated that sometimes it takes years for things to present clinically. Further, that many patients have these symptoms, but never reach a dx.
Been a toush few weeks, but appreciative that after pushing diligently, I was able to be seen much sooner.
Again, please do not think that I take the support here lightly. On the contrary. I appreciate all who have inquired.
Will update when I have the radiologist report to see what their assessment is on the MRI.
ox ox
Nails bitten in sympathy chicky, will message you later - not long in from a long day at work!
Nxx
Nxx
Will do Kyle---
I have the films in hand and will have the neurologist review and discuss findings. Just really hard to hold it together right now due to the ongoing symptoms in addition to new ones.
Altogether, this issue has prevented my being able to work which is alarming in itself. Will advise after appointment today and pleased the neurologist was liking to see me this afternoon rather than three weeks out.
I have the films in hand and will have the neurologist review and discuss findings. Just really hard to hold it together right now due to the ongoing symptoms in addition to new ones.
Altogether, this issue has prevented my being able to work which is alarming in itself. Will advise after appointment today and pleased the neurologist was liking to see me this afternoon rather than three weeks out.
I hope your MRI prvides some missing pieces of the puzzle. It's encouraging that your neuro will see you the same day as the studies.
Some things to think about. Your Mission is to find a cause of your sysmptoms. Part of that mission is seeing this particular neuro. You are seeing her to find out what she thinks. Try and let her tell you. She will give you her professional opinion. Sharing information you have learned from the internet, including possible diagnoses will only get in the way.
Keep us posted.
Kyle
Some things to think about. Your Mission is to find a cause of your sysmptoms. Part of that mission is seeing this particular neuro. You are seeing her to find out what she thinks. Try and let her tell you. She will give you her professional opinion. Sharing information you have learned from the internet, including possible diagnoses will only get in the way.
Keep us posted.
Kyle
Heading in for my MRI in just a few minutes. Very nervous about this grim dx but intelligent enough to know which direction the arrows are navigating.
Due to my increasing and worsening symptoms, the Neurologist has agreed to see me later in the afternoon to discuss findings.
Tough morning as I'm sure many have experienced here in times such as these. :-/
Due to my increasing and worsening symptoms, the Neurologist has agreed to see me later in the afternoon to discuss findings.
Tough morning as I'm sure many have experienced here in times such as these. :-/
I inquired about an LP and she specifically stated that she did not want to order an LP at this time. She focused on getting the MRI ordered as an initial read.
Thank you for your thoughts and insight JJ. I think the best course of action at this juncture is to post the actual results of the past MRI and upcoming MRI results.
With this, I will keep an open mind and remain hopeful with a positive outlook.
With this, I will keep an open mind and remain hopeful with a positive outlook.
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Many of us can confirm that having MS does not give you a pass on other health issues. You asked about the combo of MS and spinal issues. Your's appear in your cervical spine, mine were in my lumbar spine.
During the 20+ years I've had MS I have had a ruptured disk at L3 and spinal stenosis at L4-L5. Fortunately the ruptured disk broke on its own and in so doing relieved the nerve impingement. The stenosis required surgical intervention. Neither had anything to do with my MS :-)
The dissemination in time component of the MS diagnosis is what the contrast helps with. In the presence of contrast lesions that are currently active, or have been active in the last 30-40 days will light up. If you have an MRI in which some lesions light up and others do not, you have proof of dissemination in time.
Another way to prove this is to have repeat MRIs, at least 40 days apart. If there are additional lesions in the second MRI you have proof of dissemination in time.
You have had a series of MRI over an extended period of time. The only lesion observed was not likely caused by demyelination. You have also been examined by multiple neurologist and had most of the typical MS testing. There does not seem to be any evidence of MS. It may be time to try looking down another path for the cause of your symptoms.
Kyle