how long does it take to have MS - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Lilred924 · 06-23-2008, 01:12 PM

How long does it take to develop MS? Had an MRI a little over two years ago and it was clear?

MSNik · 06-23-2008, 01:24 PM

MRIs can change day to day...you said you have had one..was it only of the brain or of the brain/spine..and what part of the spine? Was it done with contrast or not? Contrast sometimes picks up lesions which are too small to see otherwise..

MRIs are the first place that most Neuro's start..however, there are other tests which should be done to rule out or dx MS...evoked potentials, spinal taps, even optical tests are sometimes done. Not everyone will show lesions on an MRI (although most do).

If you have reasons to think you might have MS, you should see a Neuro every 6 months or so to evaluate any changes...an MS specialist would be your best bet, but any Neuro who is treating MS patients will do for now.

Good luck.
Nikki

Lilred924 · 06-23-2008, 01:59 PM

Thank you so much for responding. The first time I thought I had MS I went through a series of tests to discover that my discs had slipped from my TMJ (the bone that connects the jaw to the skull) which causes SO many problems, or at least has the potential too. My MRI at that time was perfectly normal.

The past four or five days, it started in my right leg, tingling, partically falling asleep, then off and on in my right arm. My teeth and jaw did that as well but I'm used to that because it does it when I clench to much and then goes into healing when I relax.

I'm have been under a great deal of stress. I got a CT Scan done the other day when I had what the hospital described as a "hyperventiliation" because I got all numb and such in my arms and chest and back of neck. I have an appt with the neurologist in the morning so we'll see. I have no history of it in my family, but the symptoms fit pretty well. It is worse in the morning but it has never made it so I couldn't use my leg or arm. Just tingling and hot/cold.

Lilred924 · 06-23-2008, 02:14 PM

Oh and it was only of the brain. All I had of my neck was an x-ray

MSJayhawk · 06-23-2008, 02:20 PM

MS can run in a family, BUT it is most often found in people with no history of MS. I do not know your age or your health, but there are a myriad of possible causes that will need to be reviewed before a diagnosis (Parkinson's, Lyme, ..........). If you have MS, it is unknown what the definitive cause or when you start to get it. That part of MS has remained elusive since the first case of MS was recorded hundreds of years ago.

When I look back on my own life, I think my symptoms started 4-5 years prior to the "DUH" symptoms. I excused my early symptoms as being clumsiness and poor coordination. Would an early detection have changed my life? No. It is important going into this NOT to blame yourself. Pity parties are to be avoided and no invitations are necessary. The only pity party you should attend is for the demise of MS. Until that day, stay positive and keep on keeping on. Life does not end with MS.