Is this MS?

[Stephie]

I'm a relatively healthy 20 year old female.  I've been experiencing some symptoms that I've convinced myself is MS.  Here's my history:

From the time I was a small child, I've always had leg pains.  Was tested for everything, doctor said it was growing pains.  I still get it.  Usually pain in the knees that spreads up or down my leg.  Usually only get it when the weather is damp or cold, humid.  Was is a car accident about 2 years ago.  Hurt my lower back and muscles between shoulder blades.  Never had therapy because I didn't have insurance at the time.  About 1 month ago, I started getting a sharp pain in my right temple with tingling butning sensation in my cheek.  It spread to the left side.  Made an appointment with the doctor and she said it was just tension.  I also have TMJ.  Within 2 days it spread to my arms and hands, then feet and legs.  It's not a constant thing though.  I get a sporadic tingling in various parts of my body that only lasts for a few minutes at a time.  Not really painful.  Did have pain in my forearms for about the first 2 days of the symptoms.  I'll get it anywhere.  My arms, face, legs, feet, hands, and even scalp.  Saw doctor again.  Had an MRI that came back normal, and bloodwork for diabetes, thyroid, etc...that also came back normal.  The doctor thinks it's stress/nerves.  I'm very scared that this may be MS.  I'm only 20, recently married, and scared to death that something is seriously wrong.  I do tend to me an over-anxious person, so I don't know if I'm making it worse for myself.  Doctor doesn't think it's MS.  I also heard that MS causes eye sight problems.  I do get a foginess in my right eye, only when wearing my contacts though.  So, I'm not sure if that has anything to do with the rest of my symptoms.  

My questions are:

1.  Does this sound like MS?
2.  Can it be accident-related?


Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  VERY SCARED.
Sorry this is soo long.  Thank you in advance.

[CCF Neuro[P]-M.D.-RPS]

Dear Stephie:

Sorry your having such nerve wretching symptoms.  I don't think they sound like MS.  To have sensory changes all over your body, your MRI of the brain should have been very abnormal.  Your symptoms do not have the waxing and waning with periods of complete restoration of symptoms that MS usually has.  Since you have had some of these symptoms since childhood, this also is against the diangosis of MS.  I would not think that you have MS.  Whether an accident could cause such widespread symptoms that continue, is questionable.  Alot would depend on the type of accident, degree of disability, and the neurological exam.  With a completely normal neurological exam, the accident of 2 years duration without recovery would be unlikely unless the symptoms were so bad that initially you were hospitalized with significant symptoms.  With thewidespread and non-focal symptoms you describe, I think it would be unlikely.  

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Stephie]

I also have some muscle twitching in various parts of my body. Just a slight twitching, not painful.  Sorry I forgot to add this in my first question.  Thanks again.