Have some questions - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

tattoogirl · 07-10-2007, 06:54 PM

Hi everyone! I am new to this board. I was wondering what specific tests are done to diagnosis MS? I have been having multiple problems. My doctors seem confused. I went into my orthopedic surgeon today because I was in so much pain. I have pins and needle feelings all over. I barely can use my arms the muscle pain/movement is excruciating. I have been having dizziness, vision problems, itchy skin and stabbing and burning pains in joints. I feel like I am 80 when I try and move (I'm 31). Some days I can't even lift my arms to wash my hair, putting on clothes hurt. I am going to a neurologist on the 22 of August. I have an appointment with my PCP on July 18th. Anyone have any suggestions for me as to what I should ask her about. What blood tests or other tests I may need. It seems no one can ever figure out what is going on. I am just getting really sad and frustrated. Thanks all for reading this. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated

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Bella

duttin · 07-10-2007, 07:30 PM

Welcome Bella,

Normal protocal would be to do brain MRI with and without contrast.If these test are normal,abnormal or inconclusive they may order a lumbar puncture to test the spinal fluids to rule out or in many disorders.

Routine blood work is usually done complete standard panal ,then many GP's do muscle enzyme test and so forth.

Other test that may be scheduled or EMG/ncs to check muscle and nerves in the body.

EEG to check for seizures and brain waves.

Evoked potentials to see if the brain is sending and receiving the proper signals to the nerves and muscles.

They may send you to a ENT to do testing for the dizziness a ENG/VNG to see if its central or peripherial.

An opthamologist for your vision.Which you could probably make your own appointment for that.He will check for optical neuritis or imflamation of the optical nerves,if he finds this he can schedule some test a head of time like the MRI's.

A neuro will do a standard neuro test in his office,heel to toe walk,reflex's,basinski,touch your finger to your nose.stand with your eyes opened,with them closed.Follow his light with your eyes.

I hope this helps,not all DRs do these test,but a good one will.hang in there.Try to get into an opthamologist real soon,don't mess with your vision.

tattoogirl · 07-11-2007, 06:35 AM

Thank you Nuffs3-
I made a copy of the things you suggested. I am going to call an opthamologist today. Hopefully the doctors will schedule needed tests. I will ask my GP about ordering an MRI.

Now what exactly do blood tests for muscle enzymes indicate/show. Would #'s be high, low etc. What other abnormalities will the basic CBC reveal. I am on an anti-seizure medicine so not sure how an EEG would work. I had an EMG not too long ago but I am being sent for another one.

Thank you so much for your help. I just want to be armed with information so I don't go into the doctors blind. Can you also tell me how the initial symptoms present themselves. It seems I have like "flare-ups" and the symptoms get partially better for a short period of time. Then they just show up for no rhyme or reason, just out of the blue and it gets debilitating.

Thanks Again!
Sorry so many questions....
Bella

TXChica70 · 07-11-2007, 07:19 AM

Are you going in to be tested for possible MS? I only ask because if MS has never been mentioned, I wouldn't bring it up. It seems from reading many of the posts here that if MS is brought up first by the patient many neuros shut down and start treating their patients like self-diagnosing lunatics. Lay out your symptoms and just let the doctor take it from there.

duttin · 07-11-2007, 07:23 AM

Bella,

Muscle enzyme test are done to rule out muscle diseases and to make sure that there's no inflamation in the muscles.
standard blood test,white and red blood count ,potassium,liver function.
Blood work is standard place to start.If B-12 or folic acid levels are low they can cause numbness,dizzyiness,present itself with neurological symptoms.

Please keep in mind MS is an individual disease and most symptoms depend on location of lesions,with that said,many have numbness,tingling,visual pain(optical neuritis)these are what neuro's classify as standard symptoms.Other symptoms are fatigue,muscle spasms,weakness,blurred vision,double vision,off balance,memory issues.There's several more.

I have symptoms that are permanant---spacticity.Other symptoms come and they annoy me then leave only to return again.Wax and wane.My right leg is numb from the knee down.I have a loss of peripheral vision in my left eye,its been that way for about 6 weeks.After a while the vision returns.

Alot depends on what I'm doing if symptoms creep up on me,heat or exercise induced .And the heat has been really bad.

I hope you get into the eye DR before GP appointment,when ever your eyes get blurry thats cause for alarm.

Stay positive and stress free!!!You'll get through this.This forum has great support,keep asking questions we will answer.