Relapsed Comfirmed but Absent Knee reflex?

[coco31]

Hi All,

Over the past few days I have posted symtpoms I have been experiencing and haven't wanted to rush to consultant until I saw if they progressed. Sadly this morning I awoke a different person..... My speech was slurred my vision a bit blurred and generally felt unwell and fatigued.

Had full neuro exam and Dr. seemed concerned at the absent left knee reflex there was nothing nada.... Generally all power was down on left side. This is my 4th relpase in 6 months. I guess Copaxone is not doing the trick. I am supposed to discuss other available options when I go in for my 2nd dose IV steriods tmro.

Can anyone tell me what an absent knee reflex could represent? I've never had this. I have no difficulty walking of note. He tried several times but it just would'nt move and he seemed concerned. Could represent spinal lesions?

I'm only 29!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! its a why me day.

sharon

[sleepingrose]

From the day dx with MS in end of 2006 I had absent deep tendon reflexes or hyporeflexia (low/slight reflexes). They have never returned. I had a spinal MRI but it didn't slow any lesion(s). I do know they are hard to see. My neurologist doesn't really communicate with me. I get my information from his crib notes.

I know when I fall now, I don't feel anything.  I fell out of the doctors wheelchair (had no leg rest or arms) and two sizes too big. I know my last visit where I fell that my legs would not move at all. He picked them up and they fell down. No strength to hold them up. I could flex toes a bit that was it. I also have back muscle spasms on my left side. It rolls and hurts. I have rolling in my upper stomach. I can wake up with it doing it.

My last MRI of brain show no changes but concerned when legs didn't move. I know the fall didn't help but I experience similar before. I wonder if it is related to why in laying down position I can't sit up on my own. My head is the only thing I can raise. It happen over the years but no doctor noticed that I started need help sitting up.

The internet is very informative about neurology testing and even has videos on abnormal responses. Most with MS have hyper reflexes. I only ran into two on forums that were either absent or hypo.

[jensequitur]

What I've heard is that an absent knee reflex - no movement at all when your knee is tapped - is because the signal is being interrupted in the spine before it gets to your brain.  

[coco31]

Thanks Quix,

I knew deep down it was a relapse but there's always that sense of denial...... I couldn't put consultant neuro off any longer. I wonder if my cauda equine syndrome form 2007 is effecting this? I think I might be grasping here...... ah well. Come what may be.

There was mention of changing to tysabri if anyone could recomend a good post for pros and cons of starting treatment as I haven;t a clue I be grateful.

Thank Quix,

Sharon

[Quixotic1]

Although tendon reflexes are usually more brisk in MS, they can be absent.  It's just one of the infernal, eternal variations.

I'm so sorry this mushroomed on you.  I guess the answer to your earlier question was, "Yes, this is obviously the beginning of a relapse, lol."  We''ll try to do better next time.

Loss of reflexes and too hyperactive reflexes are both from spinal lesions.

Quix

[essdipity]

Hi, Sharon. Absent reflexes are somewhat unusual in MS, but it does happen. We've had discussions here before on this---Here's a link to a good one:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/Measuring-The-Tendon-Reflexes/show/157?cid=36

If you'd like more info on reflexes and MS, see our Health Pages, where Quix has written a great explanation.

ess