MS diagnosis

[only_me851]

Hi all,

My close friend whilst we were on holiday in May this year suffered symptoms of MS and is waiting on diagnosis. I was wondering as I have no knowledge of this how long does it take to find out? I'm worried as she had botox last week from the NHS/doctor recommendation to stop her eye drooping and she isn't taking medication at the moment. I don't know how to help and I am not sure of what the process is. I'm looking for some guidance as I have nobody to ask. Are there any tests my friend should be having that I can recommend etc.
She seems real distant at the moment and can only describe the feeling to me ' as being heady' and wikipedia is full of long scientific words which I don't fully understand...

Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks for sharing your stories in this forum ;)

Best regards

Justme

[only_me851]

Lisa,

Thank you so much for your response and breath of fresh air.... I really do feel a little more less tense having read that. I am going to share your response with my friend and hopefully we will both stop worrying a little.

Will have a read through the board today as I have found this website so helpful already ;)

I am smiling a little more today.

Best regards

Justme

[Guitar_grrrl]

Hey, Justme, Welcome!

As you've probably read, MS can take a long time to diagnose.  Basically, a neurologist looks for dissemination in space, and dissemination in time.  This is done with a combination of the neurologist taking a thorough, sensitive history, performing an extensive physical/neurological exam, ordering a number of blood tests to rule out other disease processes, as well as getting a MRI of the brain, C-spine and T-spine with and without contrast.  Sometimes a neurologist will order a lumbar puncture to assess cerebrospinal fluid, though not all neurologists do, for various reasons.

If you already haven't done so, have a look at our Health Pages (link on right side of screen).  These are cram-packed with all sorts of useful info.

While you two are waiting for answers, please keep having a good time.  Worrying about things won't accomplish anything!  ;)  Besides, diagnosed or not, having fun and enjoying life is what it's all about.

Cheers,
Lisa