Need advice on next step

[redhead44]

Hi,  would like to get some advice on what my next step should be.  I'm undiagnoised,  have MS symptoms for 3 years, had MRI's done 2 yrs ago and all were good.  
A new problem started in May with pressure in my head.  CT has been done to rule out a tumor.  My Family Doctor put me on 3600 mg of Gabapentin.  This has taken 75 percent of the pressure away and have been able to continue to work.  Now I have been experiencing more pressure again.  It seems to be concentrating in my face but still feels like a tight helmet.  Won't be seeing my neuro for a while.  The receptionist said about a year in May but family doctor says she keeps him informed.  Just wanted to know whether to wait for my family dr. to keep at him or if there is another step I should take.  She wants another MRI or a Lumbar Puncture.
What could this pressure feeling be and is it ok to wait.

Thanks
redhead44

[redhead44]

My situation started 3 yrs ago with tingling in my feet. Since then I have:
- weakness in my right leg and arm - tingling in different areas of the body but continual 24/7 in feet - shock like feelings - fasiculations in legs - numbness in hands and feet - dizziness - brain fog and can't find the words - loss of direction/concentration.  
Had MRI of brain(2008)- C-Spine & lower back (2009) all come back good. Also had 3 emg's all good except for fasiculations are thought to be benign.  Had heart all checked out with ECG/Ultrasound/heart halter monitor which all came back good.
They have done extensive blood  work to no avail and ruled out everything from vitamin dificiency to als.  So my primary and neuro told me that it could be MS whereas it may take up to 5 years to dx.
Prior to May the hand and leg jerking were getting worse, then the pressure in the head started.  She started me on a low dosage whereas now I am at max.  The jerking was getting to where at rest I couldn't get to sleep because of it or it was waking me up in the night.  I am now on .05mg of Clonazepam. The jerking has stopped but now the pressure seems to be coming back.  Anywhere from the back to the front of my head right down to my temples.  Just needed to know where do I go next, I need to keep working, but struggleing to get answers  like everyone else.
Also have to walk with a cane due to weak ankle on left and planters fascitis and am on celebrex for right knee.  Figure that one out!
Thanks
redhead44

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Welcome to the forum.  Since you are undx'd, can you describe your symptoms if you are up to it?  Though they may fit nicely into MS symptoms so many problems have similar symptoms but different causes.

I year is very far out for another visit to your neuro. I'm not sure what your health care protocol is, but you mention your family doc said he/she keeps the neuro informed. I would ask the family doc straight up.....

    "What did the neuro say about my current problem?"
    "Why do you want an LP and another MRI?"
    "What are you looking into on my behalf?"
    "Should I see a specialist for this head/face pressure?" If so, with what specialty?

There is a chance you need a specialist other than an neurologist. Other things can cause pressure in your head like this, so I do hope your family doc is really looking into this and ordering the right tests.

Thanks for joining us,
-Shell

[COBOB]

What are your MS symptoms?  Generalized head or facial "pressure" is not a typical MS symptom.  If your MRI was two years ago and no lesions, I say your next step is another MRI (minimum 1.5 Tesla and 3 mm slices MS protocol.) If you don't have lesions, I doubt you will produce any bands in your CSF, so why do the LP?  Even if you have bands with a negative MRI, you will not meet diagnostic criteria for MS.  

Bob