Question about symptoms on one side.... - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

May76 · 03-02-2008, 03:17 PM

I keep reading that MS symptoms are typically on one side of the body at a time. My symptoms occur on both sides of the body throughout the day. So, for example - at 1:00 I might have pain in my left foot. At 2:00 it might be in my right foot or right calf. Is that what they mean by one side at a time? Or do they usually mean the symptoms are on one side of the body for the duration of the flare (or for several days). Not sure if this make sense.....

MSJayhawk · 03-02-2008, 03:52 PM

The first thing to note about MS is that it is not typical. The symptoms will often hit one area or side depending upon the location of the lesion within the body. I often have both sides or one side. Whatever is the case, if you have not seen a neurologist, with the symptoms you are having, you should see a neurologist. I do not know your physical condition, but you should also see your regular doctor to see if it is a heart problem. Heart attacks in women are much more subtle than in men. You might also get screened for circulatory problems. Your doctor can then refer you to a neuro. If your doctor can eliminate many of the "what if" thoughts, the neuro will have a better idea as to a diagnosis.

Long-winded, but, yes, you can have symptoms present on both sides or one and then the other depending on the location and extent of lesions. An hour apart could mean something different, but if you journal your pain locations and times, your neuro or doctor will have a less difficult time arriving at a diagnosis or pin-pointing the problem.

May76 · 03-02-2008, 04:00 PM

Thanks for the response. I've been shuffled all around and am waiting to see a neurologist. Long story short - I had some tingling in hands/feet after an upsetting situation. GP did an MRI of cervical spine and found herniation, bulge, and stenosis. She sent me to a NS who said it wasn't that bad and had me tested for Chiari - he also wanted to rule out MS. The report came back and said "a few white matter changes filling none of the McDonald criteria."

The NS was very abrupt and rude and wasn't even going to go over the results. He just said - "you need a neurologist." Then he said he thought MS was a possibility based on the info., but when I pressed he said he didn't think the changes looked like MS. I'm so confused and tired of being shuffled around. I know it will be months before I get into a neurologist.

Cervical spine stretches helps much of my back pain - so I think that could be the disk. But I also have stabbing pains in other parts of the body (more of an annoyance than pain). I guess that wasn't so short after all

MSNik · 03-02-2008, 04:20 PM

Hi May. Are you aware of what the McDonald criteria is? Thats the criteria used to diagnos MS...if the report said that it didnt meet the criteria, chances are you dont have MS...however, that sort of stuff can change week to week...more lesions can show up as they grow big enough to pick up on an MRI.
I will also tell you that my original symtom was tingling and burning in my fingers....thats what sent me to a doctor, and shortly afterwards, an MS dx; however, I have over 50 lesions on my brain! Not too hard to dx.....

But, in my spinal MRI, they found stenosis, buldging discs and other problems in my C spine...they DO think that this causes most of my finger problems. Ive had PT and other types of therapy, even accupuncture- nothing in over a year has helped..I am now thinking of trying coritsone shots in my muscles between my discs. Spinal problems can defintealy cause tingling and numbness in extremeties.

Whatever it is, see the Neuro and get some more info...do not panic. Its not life threatening.
Nikki

May76 · 03-02-2008, 04:49 PM

Oops -accidentally hit "quote reply" and it saved.