My first sign was L'Hermitte's. I had only been experiencing it for about 2 weeks before the numbness got so bad my neuro put me in the hospital. After only 2 days there, they had done a spinal tap, EMG, and multiple MRIs and diagnosed me based on those results and a look through my medical history of strange random (though MS-related) symptoms I've had for years. I guess I was quite lucky that my neuro was so on top of things, as it seems like a lot of people here have suffered for years trying to be diagnosed.
Rhi
Good question...I presented with Grand Mal Seizures and was diagnosed in 1993 after an MRI and LPand VEP by Dr. W. It didn't take long for a diagnosis...probably 3 months. It kind of makes me wonder though...Dr. G, (the dr. I am seeing now) is saying that the diagnosis for the trigeminal neuralgia that Dr. W. gave me (Oct. 2006) is not right. Dr. G. figures that I am experiencing migraines related to MS, not trigeminal neuralgia.
SO...just how accurate is the diagnosis of MS I wonder? he he
Rena
Lhermitte's June 2006. Remitted and no more symptoms till Sept 2007 and had a major attack that hit like a ton of bricks: double vision, numbness over large parts of my body, buzzing/tingling, neuropathic pain incl. 'MS Hug', dizziness, massive fatigue. Dx'ed with MS 7 or 8 weeks later.
My first symptom was dizziness at the same time every day - 3:30 pm. I found that I could tell what time it was by when the dizziness came on. But I went to the doctor because my face started buzzing and tingling. She prescribed steroids and scheduled me for an MRI, and in that week I started having severe vertigo and cog fog. It wasn't long after that before I was diagnosed.
Excellent question, thanks for asking it. I'd be interested to know what other people can say about their start too. Thanks for a good forum, people.
The one that screamed MS in my situation was Optic Neuritis but I had other signs before the ON but nothing had come together enough for a dx before the ON.
LA
On my yearly exam my PCP notice I was weak on my left side, my reflexes were off and my eyes tracked badly. She sent me to a Neurologist. It took 4 neurologist 4 MRIs, VEP, lots of blood work, and a Spinal tap for a diagnosis of MS two years later.
Alex