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Forum Name: Neurology Topics

Question: MS or something else?

Rhonda e - Wed Feb 21, 2007 7:41 pm

Hello, My name is Rhonda and I am a 31 year old female. At age 23 I developed optic neuritis while pregnant. Then at age 25 it came back in the opposite eye and 1 year later it came back in the other eye again. Each time the optometrist could not see any inflamation in the optical nerve, but informed me that my symptoms were that of "optic neuritis" so a MRI was suggested by my neurologist. The MRI showed about 3 leasions so he ordered a spinal tap, it showed nothing to confirm MS. So I went for a second opinioon and was told that I did not have anough leasions or clinical finding to actually diagnose me with MS. After that, 3 years went by before I had any other symptons, which was right after I had my 3rd child, my right leg had a odd reflex when I walked and when I moved my right arm my head would tingle, that lasted about 1 month. And then again 2 years went by and the "optic neuritis" symptoms came back, and again, the doctor could not see any inlfamation but said it probably was optic neuritis.. I don't have any pain at all, except my left ankle swells up sometimes and hurts. But another odd thing, when I was 21 my toes kept getting real cold and felt numb and I would get these purple blotches and they would swell up and hurt really bad. At tha time my doc. suggested reinods disease. and that came back two winters in a row. now 10 years later I have that again. And when I lay down it feels like my feet are having several little tiny spasms. I don't get numb any where else, the last wierd thing is my skin on my arms will get these goosebumps in a circluer pattern even if im not cold. I will go see my neurologist on Monday, but I thought id seek some other insight as well. thanks[/b]

Theresa Jones, RN - Thu Feb 22, 2007 12:17 pm

Hi Rhonda e, MS typically affects people between the ages of 20-40 and is considered an autoimmune disorder. MS is a disease that is actually diagnosed by exclusion of other conditions. In some people, since severity of symptoms vary, it is more obvious. Now, your previous MRI, was it explained if the lesions were not related to MS, what those lesions are related to? (Ask the Neurologist) During your spinal tap, were there any WBC's (white blood cells) or protein in the fluid? As for your other symptoms, discoloration and pain in the extremeties may certainly indicate Raynaud's Phenomenon and may be a primary condition or secondary (related to I. e., an autoimmune disorder). I would certainly suggest inquiry regarding another MRI with contrast as well as labwork, I. e., sedimentation rate, ANA (antinuclear antibodies), etc. Best wishes and an update after your evaluation by your Neurologist would be appreciated. Sincerely, Theresa Jones, RN

Rhonda e - Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:09 pm

Yes they do think the leasions are MS related, they did a second MRI 3 years later and if showed only a few more. As far as the spinal tap goes, no protiens or bands were found to go along with MS.

Dr. Chan Lowe - Thu Feb 22, 2007 5:19 pm

When they looked at your CSF they were presumably looking for oligoclonal bands that go along with MS. If they are present, this is helpful. If they are not, this is not that helpful as MS may still be present. The diagnosis of MS requires several central nervous system (CNS) lesions that are in different places as well as at different times. The full diagnostic criteria is somewhat complex. From your description is sounds as if your MRI showed lesions in multiple different areas. If the repeat MRI lesions were in different places from the first MRI this meets the different place/different time issue and would be highly suspicious for MS. To make the diagnosis of MS soley based on MRI findings, many lesions are needed (>9 if I remember correctly); however, if you also have clinical symptoms this number drops dramatically. I would recommend that you follow up with your neurologist to discuss the findings of your MRI and symptoms. I am quite suspicious of MS from your description. Hope this helps.

Rhonda e - Thu Feb 22, 2007 8:32 pm

Thankyou both for your responce, now my biggest question is once there is a diagnoses, such as MS, which I think they are leaning toward, I know we have to discuss treatment, I am not the kind of person to take preventative shots, I choose to put my preventative maintenance in God's hands. I read that there are alot of side effects in the medication, that seems worse than the problems that I am experiencing now. I have recently about 1 month ago started riding my stationary bike about 6 miles a day and about a year ago I changed the way I eat completely. I even lost 40 pounds:) In your opinion is there any other body maitanence or natural remedies that could help?

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