What else could it be? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

baplap · 02-15-2006, 08:45 PM

I know this is very early in the game, but you all seem to be very helpful with advice and encouragement. For about a week and a half, I've been having a feeling of imbalance. As the week went on, I also started having tingling/numbness in face and mouth and weakness in shoulders and legs. I also have floaters in my left eye that I've had for about 3 years. I've previously had "dizzy" spells that were unexplainable, but eventually subsided. I have also had days where I've felt like I couldn't get a deep enough breath. I never had the other symptoms (weakness and numbness) until this last time. I was fortunate enough to have a family md that responded promptly. So far, I've had a normal head CT with and without contrast, and a normal MRI without contrast. He's also referring me to the neurologist. Should I push for the lumbar puncture, or other tests? My regular doctor is concerned that I might have MS. . . but I want to know what other tests I should have to rule that out, or find out what I do have. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

lilc · 02-16-2006, 03:15 AM

baplap, the referral to a neurologist is the best next step. Unfortunately, you might be in for a WHOLE LOT of tests. We tend to talk about MRI and LP a lot, but MS is diagnosed partly by ruling out other things. So there may be blood tests, nerve conduction tests etc in addition to various tests the neuro will do in the office, more MRIs. The way it went for me (and I think for many others) was that the LP was the last test. Patience will be important for you - as long as you feel your neuro is looking for answers.

baplap · 02-16-2006, 07:38 AM

Thanks for the advice. I oversee the neurology dept at the hospital here, so I know which ones are more thorough and spend a lot of time with you. Unfortunately, being in my position doesn't get me in to see them any sooner. Does anyone know what other things they will be looking to rule out?

kelpie · 02-16-2006, 10:49 AM

Hello,

Lilc's advice about patience is good advice. I've had sx for 3-1/2 years yet and still no diagnosis, though the MS Specialist Neurologist I saw back in December strongly suspects an atypical form of MS. The doctor said that MS patients on the average, take about 5 years to be diagnosed!

Anyway, I can let you know a little about what they'll be wanting to rule out, because as Lilc said, there are lots of tests in the process of determining what's beneath these types of symptoms. Lupus (SLE), Lyme Disease (which matches almost symptom for symptom with MS), brain tumors, spinal cord disease, inner ear disorders, Parkinson's, (and many, many more types of problems with the CNS). Working at the hospital, do you know anyone who could tell you what the procedure will be?

MRI of the brain is usually the first step if MS is suspected along with all the other tests Lilc mentioned.

Good luck!

kelpie

baplap · 02-16-2006, 11:50 AM

I can ask one of the neuro's when I see them between patients some times. I think my family doc is going to try and pull some strings to get me in on the 27th of this months - otherwise it will be March 20th before I see someone. I know you all said have patience, but it's difficult when you're just waiting for the next step in the process. Today has been the worst day so far. Started off at 2am with my throat and tongue being numb. Then when I finally got out of bed, I was off balance and my legs and arms are weak like I just exercised - that burned out, fatigued feeling. Now my ear and part of my face are going numb.

I did look at some of the other conditions that were posted - I suppose there might be a possibility that its Lyme's, but I understand that is hard to diagnose as well. . .