Yikes! Virus or MS?

[Spagheddie]

Hello, I've been following this forum for awhile as I've been experiencing strange symptoms since August.  I'm very nervous about some upcoming appt.'s with an MS specialist and was wondering if anyone had a scenario like mine.

After a 3 day long virus with low fever I was having weakness in all limbs on and off, groggy dizzy feeling, slight tremors in both hands and fatigue.  Long story short my neuro did not think my symptoms were presenting like MS and assured me that it was most likely viral.  He suspected Guillian-Barre and I was given what I think is called an EMG (they basically electrocuted my hands and feet for 20 minutes.), CAT scan, neuro tests, blood work, etc.  All clear.  

Finally I had an MRI done after persistent dizziness and they found a few "suggestive" spots.  Neuro said they were very suspicious of M.S. and is sending me to a specialist.  But he also mentioned that this could still mean that it's viral.

Has anyone experienced this or had an MRI that was thought to be diagnostic of MS but turned out to be viral?  Anyone know how the hell they tell the difference?

Thanks in advance.

[Spagheddie]

Thanks for the links and information.  I'd suspected M.S. for awhile now but my Neuro also informed about the general symptoms not affecting a targeted area points away from M.S. and towards a viral problem.  The only targeted problem I have is in my left ear where I constantly hear a low hum tinnitus and a dizzy feeling (no vertigo).  That's what led me to the ENT, which led to the MRI which led me to waiting for my appointment with the M.S. specialist which has led me to freak out!

[shoshin]

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you have MS, research suggests that viral and other infections may trigger a relapse. I often begin a period of worsening after I've been sick.

"During a predefined at-risk period (ARP) of 2 weeks before until 5 weeks after the onset of a clinical infection (predominantly upper airway infections), there was an increased risk of exacerbations (rate ratio 2.1), which is in accordance with previous studies."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11960885.1

"There was a significant association between systemic infections and risk of MS relapse, increased MRI activity, and T cells activation."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16870812

"MS exacerbations are more frequent following upper respiratory infections and flu-like illnesses. Reassuringly, immunization for influenza does not appear to exacerbate MS symptoms."
http://neurology.ucsf.edu/msc/faq.htm

And a long and informative post from Quix
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Infections-and-Relapse/show/1546046

So your viral infection may have uncovered existing MS. That's how my symptoms first appeared. That said, starting off with symptoms in all limbs at once or bilaterally is not typical for MS since focal lesions tend to cause more targeted effects in a smaller area.

sho

[Spagheddie]

Guitar Girl - Thank you!  The name is one I've had for awhile.  You've also given me just a sliver of hope for myself and it has done wonders.  I hope if this does not work out in my favor that I can live as fully and positively as you seem to do.

I'm a pianist myself which only leads to my thoughts of devastation at the future as I love playing/performing.  I take it your a guitar player, music is definitely the ultimate healer I find.

[Guitar_grrrl]

LOL - LOVE your moniker!  Welcome to the forum!  The others above have given you good info.  You might check out our health pages - the links are on the right side of the page.  They are packed with great info!

Even if you are ever diagnosed with MS, it's not like a death sentence, or anything.  Statistically, it doesn't appreciably decrease your lifespan by much.  That said, everybody's MS is their own, and we all find ourselves in various states of ability.  

At almost 54, I'm still riding my bike, and whitewater rafting (with lots of rest time between rapids LOL).  I practice Yoga, and generally live my life well in spite of all the zaps, zings, weakness, fatigue, and more.

Again, Welcome!
Cheers

[Spagheddie]

It's just so complicated.  

I guess I'm just hoping that you can have some spots on your MRI and not be diagnosed.  I have a feeling that even after I see the specialist that it will be a very long amount of time before I get a real answer.

What's strange is that when I first went to the neuro he suspected so many other neuro diseases but specifically said that he really doubted that it was M.S. because of how my symptoms were began and how they presented and progressed.  And now here I am...

[SarahL2491]

oh yes, that also complicates it, you can have a negative LP and still have MS.  The suggestion above about researching the McDonald's Criteria will help you a lot.  Then you will see what the neuro needs to find in order to give you a Dx.

Good luck and we kinda really hope you don't have it!  We don't recommend it!

[Spagheddie]

Wow.  Thanks for all of the information.

You're absolutely right, it almost feels unreal and I honestly don't know what to think half the time.  And my roller coaster is a rough one, some days I'm positive and other days I can't help but think how my future would be affected by this.  

I'm hoping and praying that they tell me something I want to hear (like, turns out you're fine!).  I haven't had much opportunity to speak with my Dr. before my appt and it's not until April 2.  I've read up a lot but that can just make you crazy and since it seems to present differently in every person I'm going even more crazy.  Everything becomes a symptom....!

Can an MRI show lesions and a LP be clear and it still be M.S.?

Thanks for all your words of support and information.

[JaneK1975]

Hello Spaghetti:

Kyle has given you a great mini-breakdown of the diagnostic process. It takes much longer than anyone ever expects it to. I remember after the doctor first told me he suspected MS,  I kept showing up for subsequent appointments expecting a yes or no answer on whether I had it. I had 6 more visits with docs before the answer finally came, and I think I got my answer faster than most do.

Re: Lesions noted via MRI, doctors use words like “suggestive” because there is really no way for them to tell without a doubt what caused a certain lesion. Based on lesion location, placement, and shape, they can sometimes say that a certain lesion looks more like lesions with X cause versus another cause, but that’s based upon suspicion rather than firm science. This is why they use other types of tests to confirm or rule out an MS diagnosis. Google “McDonald Criteria” for a more complete explanation of the data needed to make an MS diagnosis (or check the health pages in the MedHelp website).

Please stick around to let us know how this progresses for you, and ask as many questions as you want. This group is very supportive and understanding. The diagnostic process can be a roller coaster of emotions, and it’s usually hard for people who haven’t been through it to understand those emotions. If we can be a shoulder for you to lean on, come back and let us know.

Jane

[kwarendorf]

Hiya Spags :-)

Welcome to our little corner of cyberspace. For me, I'm not so interested in how they tell the difference between MS and viral, I'm just glad that they can :-)

MRI's are one piece of the diagnostic puzzle. Typically MRI's include brain and c-spine, both done with and without contrast. Others include blood tests to rule out MS mimics, clinical exam, lumbar puncture (LP) to test for banding in the cerebral spinal fluid...

It sounds like you have already had a lot of blood work done and you have had some MRI's. If the blood work is all negative, depending on the test that were run, and the MRI's show demyelinating lesions it points them towards MS. The LP is often used to confirm the blood tests, MRI and clinical exam.

It sounds like you are at the beginning of the diagnostic process. It's good that you have been referred to an MS specialist. He or she is better suited to get to the bottom of your symptoms. The process can be a long one and is often frustrating. Try and relax and take lots of deep breaths!

Kyle