Does this sound like MS? Don't know where to turn for answers! - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

AngieBaby77 · 03-01-2007, 07:34 AM

Hi everyone,

I've been having unexplained leg tingling, sometimes during the day but mostly waking up in the middle of the night with numb legs. I am also experiencing noticeable hair thinning near my hairline (I'm only 29) and having what I discovered are hypnagogic hallucinations upon falling asleep.

Basically, as soon as I start falling asleep I have panic attacks and see frightening things. I am terrified that the tingling, hallucinations and even the hair loss are due to brain lesions or MS. I've always had poor eyesight and depression/anxiety. And horrible, poor decision making skills. I am terrified that all of this is pointing to some serious disorder.

I went to my doctor and he checked everything out, said I was OK. I did call the doctor back and tell him the tingling continued, when it occurred, where it occurred (mostly at night on the bottom leg when I lay on my side). He tried to put me on Lyrica which is some sort of drug for neuropathy problems. Rather than take some random drug for an undiagnosed condition, I instead told him I wanted to try an antidepressant and monitor symptoms for a few months. (I also have severe depression and anxiety so I wonder if that could be a factor.)

This was before I realized they could be lesions or MS. I am afraid my doctor is missing something. I just started 10 mg Lexapro two days ago and I am going to give the meds two months and see if they help. I am keeping a daily journal of my symptoms. If after two months I am still having symptoms, I am going back to the doc and request a brain MRI. I am trying not to panic, but I can't help it.

Which is why I am here. Do my symptoms even sound like MS? I have a lot of anxiety as you can tell, but I think the more I learn the better.

Thanks!
Angela

MK12 · 03-01-2007, 07:43 AM

Hi,
try not to be too anxious I know witing is so dificult

Hypnagogic hallucinatiosn are usually a symptom of narcolepsy. I am interested to know how you came to term them hypnagogic hallucinations as this is not a commonly heard term. Did your doctor give you this or did you find it through your own research?
Hairloss can be hormonal as well as side effects of certain medications. Some women just experience hairloss with age, they sell minoxanil (sp?) (this is the generic name) rogain for women if you are really really concerned. Are yo utaking a birth control? I have found some BC makes my hair fall out in clumps.
I kno wit is easier said than done but try to relax and definitly follow up with yoru doctor if thing sa bothering you.
I am not a medical proffesional all my advice is from my own experiences.
MK

dgibson70 · 03-01-2007, 12:59 PM

Have you had a MRI that showed lesions? Lesions on the brain don't automatically mean MS so I was just wondering. I am not familiar with the hallucinations but I will say that I haven't read that as being a symptom anyone has discussed on this forum who has a definitive diagnosis of MS. The only symptom that is mentioned really is the tingling and numbness which can be linked to many things. I'm not a doctor either so this is only my opinion but your overall symptoms don't sound like MS. However, having said that, because MS can mimic so many other things, don't let this fall by the wayside. It's your health so be persistent. If this doctor you're seeing now is not taking you seriously, go to someone else who will. It might not be MS, but it's important that whatever doctor you see take the time to find out what is going on.

AngieBaby77 · 03-01-2007, 06:53 PM

Thanks everyone who responded.

No, I haven't had an MRI yet. I am kind of scared to. Also, I just went for a checkup.

My plan is to give the Lexapro a fair try and see if the symptoms could be depression or stress related. If I'm still having them in six months I'm demanding an MRI. I'll keep you all updated, it's nice to know someone cares because I have felt very alone lately.