Please help. Worried about multiple sclerosis

[Louieboni]

hi. I have been bothered my the muscles twitches I am experiencing. I am having it for almost 4 months now. It started in my legs but now its spread to my arms, face, neck, chest, and back. Also, sometimes i feel some sort of numbness in my left arm. sometimes my legs are in pain although i find no trouble walking even when in pain. I am afraid i might have MS as I also sometimes feel dizzy and visual disturbances. I went to a neurologist and ordered some tests. Basic neurological tests were normal and so was MRI, MRA, and EMG-NCV. The doctor told me that I have BFS. Although all tests came normal, I am still worried that I might have MS. Should I seek another doctor's opinion regarding MS? thanks

[KJ820]

Hello,

To rule out your fear of MS, you should have your neuroligist or PP send you for a spinal tap.  I have had almost similar symptoms, but mine were brought on because of a herniated disc at C-6/7.  On top of the herniation, I was worrying tremendously to the point I caused myself to start having anxiety/panic attacks.  Every little tingle, pulse, or ache; I thought there was something seriously wrong.  I have had seemingly every symptom from tingling, palpatations, pulsating, sharp pains in my head, face, arms, chest, pelvis, thigh, calf, feet, toes, fingers...you name it.  Also constipation, dizziness (big time), eye pain, sinus issues and I could go on and on.  The bottom line, I have had nerve tests, brain wave tests, a spinal tap, colonoscopy, vestibular testing for dizziness, and epidural shots for the herniated disc pain.  I also had a complete physical (blood work) to rule out everything from HIV to Hepatitis.  All of my test have come back negative.  The most important discovery I've made over this 8 month journey is, the constant worrying is what created most of my symptoms.  The strain and stress you put your body through, even when you think you're not worrying about the symptoms, can do quite a bit of damage.  Therefore I suggest, if you have not already, get a spinal tap (for MS and anything else you can think of) and have a complete physical (for everything).  If all of the tests come back negative, this should bring you some relief and you can stop worrying.  When you worry, your body substains systemic inflammation, which of course can bring about other symptoms!  Hope this has been helpful!      

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Dysautonemia is malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. It is characterized by mitral valve prolapse, dizziness, syncope, fatigue. There is no tingling numbness. It cannot be ruled out completely although the possibility is very less.
You can discuss this option with your neurologist also.

[Louieboni]

I have been reading about dysautonomia. Could it be possible that I have dysautonomia? after all I was diagnosed last April with a floppy mitral valve. Thanks

[Louieboni]

Thanks so much. Ill try to be optimistic

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

I can understand your concern but please relax. Another possibility apart from BFS in your case can be fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is more common in women and can cause aches and pain in the muscles with crampy feeling and numbness.
I would suggest you to be optimistic, eat well and sleep well and make sure you get some form of physical exercise during the day. Take care!

[Louieboni]

Im good but still having twictches and pain. Thanks for answering. Im really worried about MS. I dont want to be sick at this time as Im just starting my career. Im 22 years old and just got a good job.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
The possibility of MS does not seem very likely as of now. BFS seems to be the cause of your symptoms as all your neurological tests and investigations have been unremarkable.
Please relax and make sure you do not overexert yourself, sleep more, be physically active and eat healthy.
Take care!