MS symptoms?

[patricksmate]

I have been undergoing tests for loss of balance that I have had for over 1 year.  I stumble mainly to the left and tests so far have revealed both nystagmus (particularly left beating) and that my balance mechanism is poor in my left side - I also have unequal pupil size.  Whilst I had strong reactions to the caloric test in my right ear (vertigo)  - both warm and cold - I had virtually nothing in my left.  Do these symptoms combined with double vision for the last 8 years suggest ms?  I have also had several spells of forgetfulness including forgotteing the sentence I am saying, saying words the wrong way round (e.g., shoffee cop or coffee shop) and looking at an object and not being able to say it.  Have mri and retinal scan coming up this week but if you have any advice it would be much appreciated

[twopack]

It sounds like someone has you on the right track and it is probably neurology because they love the s*l*o*w ones that run in circles.  LOL  (Sorry, you might not think that's funny.  It is very often true however.)

I'm wondering too about who you are seeing about your vision problems.  You might benefit most from a neuro-ophthalmologist.  I do agree with Sumana that a good PCP can be a real asset to have at the center of a diagnostic investigation.  

Still, it never hurts to investigate on your own and bring ideas to the table yourself.  I assume that is what brought you here to our forum.  So, I'm wondering if any of the docs you have seen have done anything by way of treatment yet?  Anything other than drug therapy?

You might want to look at this video.  It gives a very brief idea of how one system is used to diagnosis AND treat balance problems.  (This is mainstream medicine, not alternative, not quackery.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L72Vx_F-b18

If your doctor is willing to give you a prescription for physical therapy evaluation and treatment you may be able to start improving your balance without waiting for a full diagnosis.  You would need to do some calling around to find out what therapy group in your area has a Smart Equitest CDP (Computerized Dynamic Posturography) system.  (I have no vested interest in this system.  I just know my own physical therapist used it to test me and develop a program specific to my personal needs and it WORKED.)

I know some people won't think it is a good idea to treat before having a definitive diagnosis.  This is just a personal opinion.  I'm not patient enough to spin around for a year (or longer) while docs leisurely contemplate my woes but ignore potential solutions.  Of course, that may be why I had lesions on a 1990 MRI but no diagnosis until 2009.  I treated individual symptoms and went on as if life was normal in-between.  I admit to getting a little luck thrown my way along the line but it worked for me.

I hope you find the root cause of your balance problem.  I have no idea if it could be MS.  I sincerely hope you find out it is something with a much simpler treatment, perhaps even something with a CURE.  Let us know how it goes with you.  Good Luck.

Mary

[Sumanadevii]

This is just my opinion but I think you need to make an appointment with your PCP and get a good exam.  Let him lead the investigation....unless of course he wants to drop the ball and blame it on the usual...stress, depression or anxiety.

[Deb61]

Welcome to the MS forum.  It is possible that you could have MS, but it could be several other issues as well.  MS is a diagnosis of exclusion, so other diseases and problems would have to be ruled out.  I had to have about 15 vials of blood drawn to rule out other diseases.  

If MS is suspected, it's best to have the MS protocol when getting your MRI.  You don't want thick slices that will miss hiding lesions.  An MRI with contrast is also helpful.  One other thing.  If the MRI machine is an open one, it probably is not strong enough to detect MS lesions, either.  

Have you seen an opthalmologist for your eye problems?

Deb