What does this mean?

[sparky912]

Hi everyone,
The last time I was on here in January I was having some symptoms that I thought could be MS (and a family history of MS (Mother and Aunt). I went to the doctor and he tested my B12 which was a little low and referred me to a Neurologist. I had my appointment with the neurologist yesterday and he had concerns regarding my reflexes, he said that they were brisk on my right side I also have a positive babinski sign in both feet. He is sending me for an MRI scan of my head and neck within the next 4 weeks. Does anyone else have abnormal reflexes? Is this a sign of MS?

Sparky

[sparky912]

Thank you to everyone for your responses. When the neurologist told me about my reflexes my mind went completly blank and it was only after i left that realised that I should have asked him what that meant.

Feel a bit down about the outcome of the neuro exam because obviously I was hoping that nothing would come of it. But as supermum-ms says it still might not be ms and be something else.
I really need to put it all to the back of my mind and concentrate on uni and deal with whatever happens when it comes.

I will keep you all updated about the MRI results when I get them.
Thankyou all for your support

Sparky

[Jifr]

lol.  Yeah...after having "normal reflexes"  I was WAY startled when my leg swung way out.  I gasped out loud and was horrified!  We both kind of laughed about it afterwards, though.  I'm always apprehensive now when they go to check my reflexes.

[kwarendorf]

".Almost kicked the neuro in the face once!"

LOL!

[Jifr]

Oh - also, they didn't use that to diagnose me, though.  They just usually check it at most appointments now.  I'm not sure why, though.  Lol.  It's not like they can "un"diagnose MS.

[Jifr]

I have brisk reflexes...Almost kicked the neuro in the face once!  Boy was I surprised!  That never happened before and she said, "Well we already know you have that C-spine lesion".

I'm also positive for Babinski sign.

[kwarendorf]

I have brisk reflexes on my left side. When my doc mentioned it during my exam it took me a minute to understand that brisk not goo in this setting :-)

Kyle

[supermum_ms]

Hi Sparky,

The http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/Babinskisreflex.html states:

"Babinski's reflex or extensor plantar reflex is a test for dysfunction corticospinal tract.
The test consists of stroking the outside sole from heel to toe with a pointed object. The normal response is a bunching downward (flexor) movement of all the toes. In infants under 2 years of age and people with dysfunction in the corticospinal tract, this causes an upward (extensor) movement of the big toe.

Babinski's reflex can occur unilaterally (in just one foot) or bilaterally (in both feet).

A positive Babinski's reflex is consistent with several neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis.

The corticospinal tract is a huge tract of nerve cells in the brain that carry movement (motor) signals down to the spinal cord. Damage to the corticospinal tract can result in muscle weakness, spasticity and excessively brisk reflexes. "

I so do not want to be the one to tell you but yes a positive Babinski reflex is one clinical sign seen in MS, it is a sign of damage to the central nervous system. Remember though it may not necessarily be MS so keep breathing and take this one step at a time!

Cheers...........JJ

[Lulu54]

Hi Sparky, it's good to see you around again. The exam results you mention can be associated with MS. The positive Babinski indicates problems in the spine or brain.  

I am so glad you are being referred to a neurologist for further testing.  Be sure to stay in touch and let us know how you are doing.

be well,
Lulu