Normal MRI, strange symptoms

[nearly40]

3-4 weeks ago I noticed that both feet were kind of numb and my R foot wasn't working quite right.  About the same time I began having short dizzy spells and my feet cramp severely starting about 8pm.  All symptoms have continued with varying severity.  I finally went to my primary dr who did a brief exam, amd felt like there was something wrong neurologically and possibly MS.  He noticed that I had dropped R foot as well.  Although I have had borderline high blood sugar, he didn't feel like it was diabetic neuropathy because of the dizziness and dropped foot.  He immediately referred me to neurologist.

The neurologist, after doing even less of an exam than my primary, didn't believe it was MS and felt that it was definitely nerve damage due to diabetic neuropathy.  I feel like he jumped to that conclusion based on siblings with same dx.  He prescribed me Lyrica for the cramps and ordered an MRI at my insisting.  The MRI was normal according to him.

When I look back over the last several years, I've had joint pain, 'pins and needles' in my toes, stiffness in my back, feet legs. For apprx 10 yrs I had chronic diarhea until 7 months ago.  I had severe pain in my upper stomach, went to er who could not find any cause-gave me pain meds and it eventually went away after a couple days.  From that point on I have had constipation.  I am being treated for IBS and take zoloft which seems to help quite a bit.  Additionally, about 2 months ago my hair started falling out-much more than normal.

Could this be MS?  Any other possibilities?  What should I do now?

[nearly40]

also interesting as my 13 yr old has Jv rheumatoid arthritis and my 3 yr old has had early signs

[Deb61]

Other autoimmune disorders besides hypothyroidism will cause hair loss.  Joint pain and hair loss can be seen in several rheumatological disorders.  If you don't get answers with a neurologist and if your TSH (thyroid) is normal, I would set up an appointment with a rheumatologist.  You have many symptoms that point to rheumatological/autoimmune disease like lupus.

[nearly40]

Thanks all.......only did brain MRI, not spine.  After looking at the symptoms of hypothyroid that certainly makes sense and I believe my primary tested for that as well.  I'm still waiting on all blood work results so we'll see.  Again, thanks for feedback.

[drsdonthelp]

I have to say, I agree with jensequitur for suggesting thyroid disease. I have graves disease myself and I have had joint pain, muscle fatigue, irritable bowels, and hair loss.

As far as the neurological related symptoms, I can relate to that as well, and that is why I have joined this forum. I have read and been told by my doctors that with having one autoimmune disease the chances of getting a second one is very possible.

Good luck to you, Pamela

[jensequitur]

Hair loss also suggests hypothyroidism, which can also cause MS-like symptoms.

[COBOB]

Hair loss points to nutritional or toxicity issues.  Did your lab tests include a total protein and a B-12 or Methylmalonic acid level?  Since you have joint pain I'd also suggest that you r/o the usual suspects: Lyme's, Neuro Syphilis, Lupus, CMV, HIV, etc  Joint pain and hair loss are not typical MS related symptoms, although muscle weakness in the legs can lead to joint pain as a secondary sign.

Bob

[Audrey_M]

Nearly40:

You don't say what kind of tests you have had so far.

Neurological damage can take place in either the brain or the spine.

Have you had any MRIs of the spine done (most notably the C spine and the lumbar spine) ? If you have nerve impingement or pressure on the spinal cord, this could explain some of your sx, especially with your mentioning stiffness in the back.

Audrey

[essdipity]

Hi, nearly40. I'm longpast40. Welcome to our forum.

Some but by no means all of the symptoms you describe are common with MS. This is a difficult disease to diagnose, and a great many other possibilities have to be ruled out first. You may need thorough testing by an endocrinologist and other specialists to get to the bottom of things.

With so many digestive symptoms, you're not likely to be considered for MS right away. I hope your primary doctor is in your corner in this thing. I advise going back to him for a consult as to what the next steps should be.

Good luck to you.

ess