Mulitple symptoms of MS but normal MRI

[39Cheryl]

I am a 39 y.o. female with a history of migraines with aura and mitral valve prolapsle. I had an episode about 15 years ago in which my left thumb was numb for several months, and then it resolved as quickly as it came on. About a 1 1/2 years ago my migraines became worse- almost on a daily basis. Last October, while driving, I experienced double vision so badly that I had to pull over. About an hour later, my left hand and left foot became numb and tingly. My left upper lip was also numb and my pupils were unequal and my left pupil (according to the ER doctor) was less reactive.I was NOT experiencing a migraine at the time. The ER doctor chalked it up to carpal tunnel and a panic attack. I knew better. Since that time, I have had numerous neurological symptoms, such as: intermittent loss of hearing in my left ear, intermittent blurred vision in my left eye, and tripping frequently over my feet.

I continue to have tingling that comes and goes on the left side of my face. My biggest concern however is my mental state. I have difficulty with word finding on a regular basis, and often find myself thinking of one particular word and saying something completely different. I am constantly fatigued (could sleep 12 hours a day if my schedule would allow it), and have become progressively weaker over the past year. I recently helped a friend move out of her house and could barely assist her with lifting things that I could have easily lifted a year ago.

I have also lost 20 pounds over the past year and have a very difficult time with swallowing- where I could once swallow several pills at once, now I find it difficult to even swallow one tiny pill because it gets stuck in my throat.

My PCP referred me to a neurologist who ordered an MRA and MRI of the brain. Both came back normal. Prior to the MRI result, he was concerned that I may have MS. My Opthamologist has also expressed concern that I may have MS, due to my left pupil being less reactive to light than the right pupil.

I am just extremely frustrated. I am a Registered nurse who works 12 hour shifts and had to cut my hours down from 3 shifts a week to only one or two per week because of my symptoms. Anyone have any input they would like to share?

Thanks,

Cheryl

[Ovieloverinla]

Welcome to my world!!!!!

I was diagnosed with MS in 2006, then put on Betaseron and Copaxone, I very stupidly took myself off the Copaxone, shortly there after, my first neuro took back my MS diagnosis and baisically told me I have "static encephaly", which is a fancy term for Cerebral Palsy.  

2nd neuro told me that I most definetly do not have CP or doesnt THINK I have MS, but is leaning towards something like Chronic Fatigue syndrome.   He says that in the old days if your spinal tape was clean, you definitely didnt have MS, so I think he has that old and set in his ways way of thinking.

I have had about 4 or 5 brain MRI's, 2 Cervical spine ones, one LP and one VEP.  Only my first MRI showed a lesion in my cerebellum.  The lesion did not show after started my meds, which concerns me that I am not getting proper medical care, if it is indeed MS.  For all I know, I couldve had a virus, but I still have issues and my symptoms are getting worse.

My LP came out clean and my Cervical MRI's and VEP' came out normal, so the new neuro is hesitant to diagnose me, so I am in limbo land!  There is only one other neuro I could use in my insurance plan, so I am almost tapped out.

My symptoms are recurrent facial pain, teeth grinding, jerky limbs (especially on my left side, and now on my right arm, I can barely drive), burning pain going down my spine when I bend my head down, extreme fatigue, I have a great deal of difficulty climbing up and down stairs, things fall out of my hands easily, mirgarines and numbness, balance issues, and vertigo  I have never had optic neuritis...I am really at wits end...I also take NO MEDS!

[steph74]

I am in a similar boat.  I started having mild sx 8 years ago.  I've had 3 completely normal MRIs.  My MS specialist can't think of anything else it could be other than MS, but no dx.  

If you're concerned about your mental state, I highly recommend neurocognitive testing.  If nothing else, at least it's a "baseline" against which to compare later.  (Otherwise you're just being compared against an age, education, income, etc., adjusted sample.)

Stephanie

[Grams3906]

Hi Cheryl,

I too have had 2 normal MRI's although neither one was under the protocol of "ms protocol".

Mine started with a very severe bout of optic neuritis. My neuro-optomologist was also concerned that it might be MS.....as my baby sister has had MS for the past 7 years.

Although I have all these symptoms that are pointing to MS, I refused a spinal tap at first, as I am terrified of them. I finally agreed to have one and it has shown several abnormalities that also point to MS. But still my current Neuro will not diagnose that I actual have MS at this point.

I have migraines, weakness and pain in my left leg and right hand. Vision problems, memory problems and light headedness, and balance issues. But still will not diagnose me with anything.....at my latest appt they even said it might be menopause.....I had a complete hysterectomy 10 years ago.


I too have been looking for answers as to whether or not it could be MS without lesions showing on an MRI....to date I have been told yes that it is possible. There is a lot of good information on this sight and the people here are extraordinary in support and answers.

I have already accepted the fact that yes mine is more than likely MS. But it is very difficult to accept and deal with and get on with things when your dr is so lax in diagnosing what it is and starting on treatment. Right now they are only treating my symptoms.

Have you had a spinal tap and blood syrum test done yet. That will help a lot in your dianosis.

I hope you find the answers and support you seek. We are all here for you anytime.

Be Well
Grams

[JemmAus]

Oh boy, you poor thing.......I was recently diagnosed with MS after 3 years of symptoms similar to yours, though unlike you I have multiple lesions on my MRI. But it started with migraines that seemed to alter over time, with less pain and more numbness etc.

I also copped the label of "panic attack" at one point. I found that quite insulting. The dr in question withdrew that remark after my MRI.


Umm.....the members in here are well equipped to answer your questions or add comment for you........I'm not really, but welcome and stay around and you'll get some support!