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neuro symptoms, possible MS?, in limbo
SORRY THIS IS SUCH A LONG POST BUT PLEASE READ-I NEED HELP! First of all I am a fairly healthy 34 year old female, 5'1" 114#, no history of HTN or diabetes. Only history of 1. recurrent miscarriages with negative work up for APS, lupus, diabetes, HIV, clotting problems 2. benign thyroid mass s/p lobectomy 3. cervical disc herniation from car accident when I was 21 that MRI has shown to be non cord impinging and 4. endometriosis s/p laparascopic ablation x 2. Beginning in March 2006 my left arm started an electrical buzzing sensation from about mid upper arm thru all of my fingers. It continued about 6 weeks and I just kind of ignored it however, during this time I had a rather sudden onset of left sided numbness: parts of face, arm, and leg. I had an MRI done in the ER and was referred to a neurologist. MRI showed several T2 hyperintensities in right frontal and left parietal regions. Neuro thought they looked like mini strokes, B-12 deficiency, or multiple sclerosis. I started a long outpatient workup which yielded negative lumbar punctures x 2, NCV showing slowing of conduction both arms, a slightly positive ANA with a speckled pattern, B-12 in the 400's. Hematologist (same one that did work up after miscarriages) did not think B-12 was low enough to cause neuro damage nor could he find any evidence that I was at risk for strokes or any metabolic disorder that would cause B-12 deficiency. My reflexes in lower extremities have remained brisk since April. I was hospitalized in April 2006 when my left arm started hurting/burning as they thought I might have a DVT which I did not. I was hospitalized again in August 2006 when my legs started shaking uncontrollably (sustained clonus per neuro) and I felt as if my whole back was in spasm. Neuro DCd me home w/ instructions to take zanaflex round the clock, do physical therapy, and cervical traction as he felt it was my cervcal disc herniation (myelopathy). I saw an orthopedic surgeon while waiting to get in to see the neurosurgeon I was referred to and they both said that my neck was not the culprit-no need for surgery and by the way, had I been diagnosed with MS yet? That answer is still no. As of today I have intermittent pins and needles feeling on parts of my left face, arm, and leg (am taking lyrica twice daily), right leg still shaky and will get very tight from my toes up especially in the afternoon and at night which causes difficulty with walking, I feel very tired in the afternoons, I have had 2 episodes of sharp stabbing but short pain radiating from my left temple down which leaves left side of my face and teeth very numb for several days afterwards (dental check up was OK). I had distinct episodes of urinary urgency both in April and August which has gone away except for when I recently indulged in a bubble bath and it came back for several hours. I had bought a hot tub in the spring but sold it when I found myself weak and sick feeling after using it several times. My left arm feels very heavy at times as do my legs-especially when I am tired. My original neuro still says could be strokes, B-12, or less likely MS (due to negative LP). A 2nd opinion neuro felt it was something neurological (big help) and a third opinion from an MS center says she cannot say for sure right now that it is MS but also said that there is nothing else except MS that would be causing my symptoms as she does not agree with the strokes or B-12 theories. I just know that while I feel I am managing well I think I could manage alot better with some clear cut idea of what I am dealing with. Also-it seems that my sensory symptoms and to some extent my leg tightness get worse when I am pre-menstrual. Incidentally-I was on a course of antibiotics and steroids for a sinus infection and noticed a marked but short lived improvement in my leg spasm/pain. Any input that can be given would be greatly appreciated...I am sick of being in limbo...
Answer:
neuro symptoms, possible MS?, in limbo
Hi-
Please see my response in another thread:
Look at the linked answers, maybe you'll find some helpful information. The key here is to discuss this issue with your neurologist - from your complex medical history it's clear that I cannot make any diagnosis suggestions over the internet. Is a follow up scheduled?
Answer:
neuro symptoms, possible MS?, in limbo
I understand that there is not a simple answer. I have a follow up MRI scheduled @ Mayo Clinic in March. I guess what makes me more uneasy than the possibility of MS is the possibility of other diagnoses that have been considered such as strokes. I appreciate your taking time to reply and suppose all I can do is wait...
Answer:
neuro symptoms, possible MS?, in limbo
All I can say is try and focus on the everyday life, on the present moment - do whatever you can to distract you from worrying about what's going to turn up - none of us know what life has in stock for us tomorrow. Let March bring its own news, and focus now on February. I know it's easier said than done, but it's worth trying. And keep us posted on the MRI results in March!