Tests to diagnose? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

CrazyDogLady · 06-10-2006, 07:16 PM

I have a question for you all that have been around for a while. I have some symptoms that have concerned me greatly, especially considering I have a family history of MS. I don't know a lot about the disease... Are there any definitive tests to diagnose MS? I recently had an episode that someone else described on these boards. I ended up in the ER with severe vertigo, vomiting, horrible balance and my bp was through the roof (not usual for me) I've had vertigo ever since... My question is - the bp - is that something that occurs with MS? Or is that something totally unrelated? I'm really hoping there's another way to explain whatever this is... Like I said, I know zip about MS. Anyone???? Thank you!

lestoby · 06-10-2006, 08:51 PM

Your trip to the ER sounds EXACTLY like mine. At the time, they kept saying "pain will do that to you", in relation to my extremely elevated BP (I am normally 120/80).

Long history of tests, recovery, yada yada yada, they found 2 lesions in my occipital lobe, but not enough clinical data to dx MS. But betwene me and my GP, it is probable MS.

I don't find too many people on this board who had an "attack" as you described (just like my attack), but 20/20 hindsight, I'm sure if you look back you will notice that there were "warning signs", that is if your dx turns out to be MS.

My signs were "bothersome vision" for 3 years prior and R leg calf pain for about 6 months prior to my "attack".

My initial dx (before they discovered the lesions) were food poisoning, kidney stones, positional vertigo, and suspected stroke.

Best wishes to you and I hope you have already started the battery of testing to determine what the heck happened.

lestoby · 06-10-2006, 08:56 PM

Oh.... I see you are asking about tests to prove MS.

They are MRI of brain and spine and a positive lumbar puncture. Also, if you have ever had optic neuritis this will also help clue the doctors in towards a dx of MS.

I am by no means an expert, but these are the most definitive tests available. You might want to google the words "McDonald Criteria" to see what needs to happen before a neuro will dx MS.

CrazyDogLady · 06-11-2006, 07:27 AM

Thank you for your info! I'm going to look up McDonald Criteria now. I've had episodes like this for several years, (but without the bp) and I've had the same diagnosis.... kidney stones, food poisoning - At least they found out my gallbladder was no good. But recently I've had a patch.... just a patch on the inside of my leg tingling. It's driving me crazy! And the other thing is, for the last couple of years, my eyes keep "jumping". While I'm trying to read or focus on something, like the t.v., they jump to the side and then back, real fast. I don't know what optical neuritis is, but I'm gonna look that up too. I have an appt. with a neuro on Friday, so we'll see what he says.
Do you know if having epilepsy puts you at higher risk for MS? (I have epilepsy) Thanks for your help.

lestoby · 06-11-2006, 10:25 AM

The jumpy eye or rapid eye movement is called Nystagmus and it too is a symptom of MS. Google this symptom and I believe one site actually has a video you can watch to see what the symptom looks like. I had double vision for 3 days after my attack and now I have intermittent blurriness, but it is not optic neuritis (ON). Doctors can only attribute my blurriness to the location of my leions in the occipital lobe, which is the part of the brain that controls the eyes.

Regarding epilepsy in relation to MS, I have never heard of a connection. It is interesting that you mentioned Epilepsy, as my dad (now deceased) developed what they call latent epilepsy, since he started to have gran mal sezures at the age of 40. Personally, I think my dad’s seizures were related to alcohol abuse. I don’t think epilepsy is hereditary. They claim MS is not hereditary, but if you have it then there is a greater chance that your sibling will get it too.

By the way, were you experiencing tremendous stress just before your attack?

Good luck with your neuro (amazing you got an appointment so quickly!) and do keep me posted as to your progress. Obviously, since your symptoms most match my symptoms I am very curious about your path to recovery or a dx.

I note that your sign name indicates you love dogs. How many do you have? I have two. Many people on this site have dogs, so maybe there is a connection of MS and dog ownership (Just kidding)