MS symptoms with clean MRI

Of all the possible medical disorders it seems that you've chosen one of the most severe neurological diseases - multiple sclerosis. However, it could be anxiety that you are experiencing.

It is true that 5% of people with MS do not have detectable lesions on an MRI-scan but why do you think that YOU, particularly, belong to these 5% of people?

If you don't trust your neurologist, you might seek a second opinion.

I think I can see you agree with my neurologist, and you feel she was appropriate ruling out MS. I was hoping for an answer like either:

A) yes it's too early to rule out MS, to be even more sure you could have xxxxxx, or yyyyyy.

Or B) No, it is not in appropriate for your neurologist to have ruled out MS. With the thorough exam and clean MRI the odds are very low you have MS.

Sounds like you agree with B.

It is true that an MRI is not enough to either confirm or rule out MS. In fact, there aren't 100% secure diagnostic tests that will confirm/exclude MS. To confirm MS, all the other neurological disorders with similar symptoms and diagnostic should first be excluded ...(this is ina ddition to initial positive test results)

Your symptoms could be present during MS (but are also present during other disorders). Typically, MS is an episodic occurrence and the symptoms vanish. Episodes for one group of symptoms usually last for few months and then vanish ... but not completely. Nobody can predict when a new episode will occur and which symptoms will manifest.

The sensitive symptoms you mention (itching, tingling...) could be considered a first episode but at least 2 episodes of symptoms are required for an MS diagnosis. Symptoms of muscle weakness are considered episodic indicators because they lasted for a very short time. And finally, anegative MRI directs us to a diagnosis contrary to MS.

If, however, you'd like a full indication, you can request spinal tap and an evoked potentials test for acquiring a proper diagnosis.

Dr. Nikola, I sincerely appreciate you taking your time to answer my posts.

Unfortunately, my symptoms have progressed since my last dr. appt of anny kind. The past week muscles all over my body are moving strangely, even in my face (also in arms and legs).

I've noticed that my Lunesta calms down my symptoms, and my doc has me on lorazepam which settles down my symptoms too. I understand both these medicines depress the CNS. I'm not sure what this means if these drugs help my problem - does it prove I have a problem with my CNS? My doc also has me on zoloft. He's telling me it's anxiety that's causing all this. Wants me to get settled down and check with him in 4 weeks. - We'll see how that goes.

I also noticed the last couple times I slept if I had my head turn a certain way, all down my right side was numb, and when I moved my head the feeling cam back quickly. Other side did the same thing. Nerves seem to be really week.

As always, Doc, you owe us nothing, yet you spend your time answering our questions, you truly are a blessing.

Thanks for your words.
I hope your doctor will find the real diagnosis and I wish you to be anxiety, not MS. Anxiety can be treated or at least calmed but MS is very severe and disabling disease.

I have 4 lesions found on MRI w/o contrast and neuro r/o MS. I though that was what I had. I fit most of the symtomes. I am 60 years old and have hardening of the arteries. From what I have heard MS is very hard to diagnose. I do have servere anxiety and Bipolar disorder. I had a subracnoid brain hemorage back in 2003. But, as far as I was concerned I had MS because I fit all the symtoms I read up on. I have learned not to do that anymore. Only makes things worse and you panic over something that is not conclusive or fully diagnosed. I also have hypertension. I don't look up anything anymore. That would be enough to scare anyone into having anything. So don't stress yourself out when there is no need to. I opted out of LP (Lumbar Pucture) due to the fact I have MRSA which is an immune compromised issue and I was afraid they would get a false report.

Carrie

Hello InvisiblePin,

I do not know if it was appropriate for your neurologist to rule out MS. AND THAT invisiblePin is why I highly recommend that you seek out a 2nd and a 3rd opinion. Not just from a GP or neurologist, but from one who specializes in MS. AND you want the VERY BEST doctors who specialize in MS.

I commend you for questioning. I question ANYTHING until I have verification. ANYTHING!!!!! No need to blindly go with your neurologist without seeking the advice of other doctors.

Please stay in touch and let us know how things go for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

RichT

I went for a second opinion and the doc also said he doubts very much that I have MS. White matter leisions were caused by hardening of the ateries. When somehing as severe as that needs to be ruled out, I NEVER stand on the first diagnosis. I always go for a second.

I have multiple illneses, and not one of them did I wish upon myself!