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Suspicious Combonation of Symptoms
Uncertain if this is the appropriate community to post this but per the advise of another participant on this forum, I elected this page first. I'm a mother, 44 years old, and have experienced suspicious symptoms for nearly 6 years. First onset was in 2007, three months of vertigo, fatigue, excessive tiredness though obtained sufficient sleep, slurred speech, numbness and tingling in left arm and leg. Additionally, flu-like symptoms and overall tiredness mirroring the same as nauseousness. After an evaluation from an ENT, he immediately stressed his concern of MS, and ordered an MRI (brain and cervical spine). I immediately scheduled an appointment with a neurologist and walked the MRI films in with me. The neurologist confirmed no "significant" findings on the MRI of which I remained suspicious considering my debilitating symptoms. Shortly after, and with symptoms persisting, I located another neurologist to review the findings and evaluate me further. He ordered additional tests such as, evoked potentials, nerve conduction studies, and a skin grating test along with an MRI of my thoracic and concurred that no findings suggestive of MS were present but indicated he was suspicious of my symptoms. Again, this was all conducted in 2007. Third time is a charm right? Visited with a third Neurologist nearing the end of 2007, who is an MS Specialist. After a thorough examination and reviewing my MRIs, and all other testing, she indicated no presence of MS, but also quickly stated that she saw a lesion, but in her words, "it is in the wrong place and not the correct shape for MS."
Regardless of feeling horrible, I had to grit my teeth with hope and prayers that this suspicious undetermined episode would pass....... and it did after three months. In 2012, these suspicious symptoms recurred representative of what I experienced in 2007. They nearly mirrored with the exception that new symptoms such as muscle cramping especially in my two middle toes on both feet, hip soreness / left leg and arm weakness, and blurred vision this time. And here we go again, sought medical care with a neurologist in a different state this time around and had an MRI of the brain accompanied by the cervical spine, an LP (ouch...never again thank you very much), but no nerve conduction studies or evoked potentials this time around. The findings were inconclusive with the exception of a bulging disc and a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease (C2 C3-C4-C5-C6). A biking accident in my youth was the culprit in which I landed a few broken bones in which I have some arthritis which I expected later in life with these types of fractures.
In current day, and approximately three months ago, I began to feel quite oddly again. Vertigo, blurred vision, muscle stiffness and pain in neck on both sides, shoulder pain this time around, mild slurred speech, unexplained fatigue, numbness and tingling in both hands and bottom of feet but mostly felt in left hand and foot, left eyelid twitching, mild facial numbness primarily focused on left side. Every morning I wake up hoping these symptoms subside but they are very apparent every morning and remain.
My question is this... Has anyone experienced a combination of both MS and Disc disease? My PCP suggested I see a spinal surgeon and an internist, but I'm more of the thought that a neurologist would be better suited in this area of symptoms. When I conveyed this chronological history since 2007 to my physician, he did not comment on anything other than sharing a large neurology group for setting up an appointment if I so choose. The earliest I can be seen is august 3rd. I've contacted 4 independent neurology practices, and not one can see me before that date. I've relocated out of state 4 times in the last 5 years but have all results from each physician. Very frustrating, even with my name on a cancellation list, I must remain idle with suspicions.
Thoughts or shared experiences on this issue? If this is not the appropriate forum for this question please do not hesitate to inform me. I'm new at this and just attempting to locate others who may be of the same position.
Regardless of feeling horrible, I had to grit my teeth with hope and prayers that this suspicious undetermined episode would pass....... and it did after three months. In 2012, these suspicious symptoms recurred representative of what I experienced in 2007. They nearly mirrored with the exception that new symptoms such as muscle cramping especially in my two middle toes on both feet, hip soreness / left leg and arm weakness, and blurred vision this time. And here we go again, sought medical care with a neurologist in a different state this time around and had an MRI of the brain accompanied by the cervical spine, an LP (ouch...never again thank you very much), but no nerve conduction studies or evoked potentials this time around. The findings were inconclusive with the exception of a bulging disc and a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease (C2 C3-C4-C5-C6). A biking accident in my youth was the culprit in which I landed a few broken bones in which I have some arthritis which I expected later in life with these types of fractures.
In current day, and approximately three months ago, I began to feel quite oddly again. Vertigo, blurred vision, muscle stiffness and pain in neck on both sides, shoulder pain this time around, mild slurred speech, unexplained fatigue, numbness and tingling in both hands and bottom of feet but mostly felt in left hand and foot, left eyelid twitching, mild facial numbness primarily focused on left side. Every morning I wake up hoping these symptoms subside but they are very apparent every morning and remain.
My question is this... Has anyone experienced a combination of both MS and Disc disease? My PCP suggested I see a spinal surgeon and an internist, but I'm more of the thought that a neurologist would be better suited in this area of symptoms. When I conveyed this chronological history since 2007 to my physician, he did not comment on anything other than sharing a large neurology group for setting up an appointment if I so choose. The earliest I can be seen is august 3rd. I've contacted 4 independent neurology practices, and not one can see me before that date. I've relocated out of state 4 times in the last 5 years but have all results from each physician. Very frustrating, even with my name on a cancellation list, I must remain idle with suspicions.
Thoughts or shared experiences on this issue? If this is not the appropriate forum for this question please do not hesitate to inform me. I'm new at this and just attempting to locate others who may be of the same position.
Best Answer
Sounds good. Understand that a radiology report is vague and does not change what the neurologist says. I am not sure what specialist deals with the pituitary gland. Mine is always enlarged on CT and MRIs but my doctors always say it does not mean anything. May be in your case it does. I hope you get a diagnosis sooner than later. It took me over 40 years to be diagnosed with MS and 4 to be diagnosed with cancer. They always knew I had something wrong with my brain. It was before MRIs so they called it brain damage. When the first neurologist said it was MS it took two more years. I had 4 MRIs that showed MS and 12 obands on the LP. I had everything to be diagnosed but it still took a neurologist to say it was MS. I hope you get an answer sooner.
At least ask for symptom relief. A GP can do that with out a diagnosis. You do not have a name to treat things like nerve pain or muscle spasms.
Alex
At least ask for symptom relief. A GP can do that with out a diagnosis. You do not have a name to treat things like nerve pain or muscle spasms.
Alex
HVAC..... yes, I stand corrected, the cd that houses the scans. I still call them films. Apologies.
First and foremost, a sincere thank you to everyone for your support and kindness. Could not have been more nervous and scared considering my body is just not cooperating. Further, the historical background of my symptoms do not enlist confidence either.
Regardless, here is how the appointment went. Neurologist walked in, sat down, inserted the cd I placed on computer :) and began to review. Very quiet, and completely focused. Brain MRI was conducted w and w/out contrast.
As stated, Neurologist did not see any spots, but narrowed in on an abnormality with my pituitary. An enhancement around the area with the pituitary being enlarged.
It was evident as it was pointed out to us but the Neurologist also declared that this was not their area of specialty which we understood and respected.
The Neurologist was still perplexed as to the causation of symptoms and was more than willing to order more tests such as Lyme Disease, Immunoglobulin and a few others. This pleased both of us so I navigated offsite to another facility for blood work immediately after the appointment. No fasting required for these tests.
Additionally, the Neurologist very clearly noted that my right ventricle is enlarged. This was confirmed as probably congenital. We could definitely see this on the scan as right ventricle being much larger than the left. I was surprised at the difference in size from the left.
So in a nutshell, the enlarged (suspicious enhancement surrounding) pituitary is what the physician was more focused, but again, did not want to comment further until the Radiologist report comes through. I'm sure when that report arrives, I will either be contacted or wait to discuss during next appointment which is in the beginning of September. I will try to get in sooner.
I was very pleased with the visit and felt that many of our questions were answered. It was reiterated that MS is not ruled out but that these scans lessen the notion of MS at this time ;)
The Neurologist stated that sometimes it takes years for things to present clinically. Further, that many patients have these symptoms, but never reach a dx.
Been a toush few weeks, but appreciative that after pushing diligently, I was able to be seen much sooner.
Again, please do not think that I take the support here lightly. On the contrary. I appreciate all who have inquired.
Will update when I have the radiologist report to see what their assessment is on the MRI.
ox ox
First and foremost, a sincere thank you to everyone for your support and kindness. Could not have been more nervous and scared considering my body is just not cooperating. Further, the historical background of my symptoms do not enlist confidence either.
Regardless, here is how the appointment went. Neurologist walked in, sat down, inserted the cd I placed on computer :) and began to review. Very quiet, and completely focused. Brain MRI was conducted w and w/out contrast.
As stated, Neurologist did not see any spots, but narrowed in on an abnormality with my pituitary. An enhancement around the area with the pituitary being enlarged.
It was evident as it was pointed out to us but the Neurologist also declared that this was not their area of specialty which we understood and respected.
The Neurologist was still perplexed as to the causation of symptoms and was more than willing to order more tests such as Lyme Disease, Immunoglobulin and a few others. This pleased both of us so I navigated offsite to another facility for blood work immediately after the appointment. No fasting required for these tests.
Additionally, the Neurologist very clearly noted that my right ventricle is enlarged. This was confirmed as probably congenital. We could definitely see this on the scan as right ventricle being much larger than the left. I was surprised at the difference in size from the left.
So in a nutshell, the enlarged (suspicious enhancement surrounding) pituitary is what the physician was more focused, but again, did not want to comment further until the Radiologist report comes through. I'm sure when that report arrives, I will either be contacted or wait to discuss during next appointment which is in the beginning of September. I will try to get in sooner.
I was very pleased with the visit and felt that many of our questions were answered. It was reiterated that MS is not ruled out but that these scans lessen the notion of MS at this time ;)
The Neurologist stated that sometimes it takes years for things to present clinically. Further, that many patients have these symptoms, but never reach a dx.
Been a toush few weeks, but appreciative that after pushing diligently, I was able to be seen much sooner.
Again, please do not think that I take the support here lightly. On the contrary. I appreciate all who have inquired.
Will update when I have the radiologist report to see what their assessment is on the MRI.
ox ox
Do you mean cd's by films? Most neurologists no longer go by actual films.
Alex
Alex
Thinking of you, SC!
Nails bitten in sympathy chicky, will message you later - not long in from a long day at work!
Nxx
Nxx
Will do Kyle---
I have the films in hand and will have the neurologist review and discuss findings. Just really hard to hold it together right now due to the ongoing symptoms in addition to new ones.
Altogether, this issue has prevented my being able to work which is alarming in itself. Will advise after appointment today and pleased the neurologist was liking to see me this afternoon rather than three weeks out.
I have the films in hand and will have the neurologist review and discuss findings. Just really hard to hold it together right now due to the ongoing symptoms in addition to new ones.
Altogether, this issue has prevented my being able to work which is alarming in itself. Will advise after appointment today and pleased the neurologist was liking to see me this afternoon rather than three weeks out.
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Many of us can confirm that having MS does not give you a pass on other health issues. You asked about the combo of MS and spinal issues. Your's appear in your cervical spine, mine were in my lumbar spine.
During the 20+ years I've had MS I have had a ruptured disk at L3 and spinal stenosis at L4-L5. Fortunately the ruptured disk broke on its own and in so doing relieved the nerve impingement. The stenosis required surgical intervention. Neither had anything to do with my MS :-)
The dissemination in time component of the MS diagnosis is what the contrast helps with. In the presence of contrast lesions that are currently active, or have been active in the last 30-40 days will light up. If you have an MRI in which some lesions light up and others do not, you have proof of dissemination in time.
Another way to prove this is to have repeat MRIs, at least 40 days apart. If there are additional lesions in the second MRI you have proof of dissemination in time.
You have had a series of MRI over an extended period of time. The only lesion observed was not likely caused by demyelination. You have also been examined by multiple neurologist and had most of the typical MS testing. There does not seem to be any evidence of MS. It may be time to try looking down another path for the cause of your symptoms.
Kyle