presented as stroke 2 years ago frequent flare ups

[Gambie2006]

About 2 years ago I had the sudden onset of stroke like symptoms. Bright light in eyes, blurred vision, and words I was reading came out totally different than the words in my head. On way to hospital developed facial numbness/tingling. While in ER total confusion, spoke as though mentally retarded and started having "tics". Hands and legs jerking, ended up twisted with head pulling to the side. MRI 9 hours later, no clots. Released from hospital 2 days later. Saw GP, could not stand up alone, falling, same issues as before. Hospitalized 1 week, EEG normal. Lost ability to recall alphabet, could not count to 10 without ticking, had to use a walker, am right handed but was favoring my left side. Released from hospital with DX of stress. 2 years later having flare ups. Additionally have head, arms, legs tingling/pins & needle feeling, legs and arms deep pain like bones hurting, feet burning/drawing sensation, speech first symptom, eyes "squinch" while talking, head nods to side involuntarily, fingers move on own, lose words I want to say can't find right word, cannot concentrate feel like I'm overloaded with too much activity around me. Going to see GP Monday. Have severe thigh pains come and go, leg cramps, stumble a lot, sometimes wet myself. Am 37 years old, post hysterectomy no estrogen medication, decent health.  Take no medications and I do not drink alcohol.   Any ideas? Am thinking possible MS?

[Gambie2006]

Thank you. Since they couldn't give me a diagnosis in 2007 I've just dealt with this as stress. Now there are just too many physical manifestations to accept that. The left side of my face grows numb, I have to make myself get out of bed due to the arm and leg pains. I think one of the biggest reasons I had no name for what was happening was the fact I was without insurance at the time. The MRI I was given was only of the head, so maybe they will look at my spine this time. I have an appointment tomorrow with my GP who acts like I'm making this up. (lol) He's an older gentleman and if he can't explain it, it doesn't exist. Thanks again for being my friend. It's hard to support someone if you haven't been there yourself.

[StormyRenee]

Hi Gambie,

I suffer from vary simular symptoms.It can be truely frightening...

I started having what I call neurological chaos back in Jan 09'.I also had what I found out to be Migraines. The migraines presented like strokes.I had all the same symptoms you describe.I also have 15 spots/lesions in my brain.My neurologist is testing me for MS because I also have MS like symptoms.But she believes that the migraines are not normal migraines. She thinks I am having Migraine Varients like Hemaplegic migraines.They are like migraines on steroids. I have facial drooping and all the weirdness you discribe.Speech issues,cognitive problems the works. I also get the same symptoms without an actual headache.
You are not alone....
Please Take Care,Theresa

[Gambie2006]

Should also mention dizzy sensation, occasional nausea and fatigue. Have had maybe 7 mild episodes in last year. Last from 24-48 hours about 1-3 months apart.  Periods of stress seem to bring them on quickly. The first sign is the head tic paired with speech problem. Muscle spasms/weekness/pain is almost weekly. Family history is Father died of cerebral hemorrhage,  maternal Grandmother with Parkinson's, 1/2 sibling on Mother's side with aneurysm (survivor).