How do you know if you have multiple sclerosis?

Answer 1

You dont always ..... my wife was diagnosed in 1990 but I think she had symptoms when we first met in 1979. There is such a variety of similar central nervous system disorders that diagnosis is often unclear. Initially, doctors thought she had a trapped nerve in her wrist ( carpel tunnel ) which was totally wrong. But there are diagnostic tools that together will pinpoint the condition, but normally only when it becomes more pronounced. But hey, you really need to be asking a doctor for an opinion here .... I guess from your question that you are kind of scared about it ....totally understandable .... but self diagnosis is stupid and going to make you a mess if you add two and two and make five! But believe me, you are better off seeking a conclusive medical opinion rather than sitting on Yahoo questions worrying about yourself .... take care ..

Answer 2

Multiple sclerosis can cause a huge range of different neurological symptoms - from weakness, to confusion, to tingling, to blindness, to double vision... the range is massive.

The important thing to realise is that a lot of the symptoms that can be caused by multiple sclerosis can be cause by many other neurological diseases. Just because you have any of these does not imply that you have MS.

If you are concerned about neurological symptoms you need to go and see a neurologist who can assess you formally, and order further tests such as MRI scans or a lumbar puncture. You need to do this as a priority if you have any serious concern.

Answer 3

EXCELLENT QUESTION!! The absolute best way is to DOCUMENT ALL YOUR SYMPTOMS AND how they impact your normal daily living - both at home and work. THEN, take that information to your doctor, and s/he can determine which tests would be best in determining, specifically, what you have (usually a spinal tap and/or an MRI).

Now, my qualifications for providing you this answer:

1) I've successfully managed the symptoms of MS for over 45 years.
2) I was an HR Executive for over 30+ years, and combined my professional and personal expertise in creating a website dedicated to assisting folks with "chronic disease symptoms" better document, communicate, corroborate, and manage their symptoms and the resulting impairments to become expert patients; chronic disease self-managers; and, partner with their doctors to practice patient-centered health care.

http://www.disabilitykey.com

My website contains tons of information in 2 blogs, downloadable free articles and self-help ebooklets, and the Disabilitykey Workbook which contains over 100 pages of how to processes and actual forms - blank and completed examples - to assist folks. This workbook is available for a very small price (under $10).

So, here are some suggestions:

1) Document your symptoms and their impairments.

2) use any Internet search engine and plug in the words "MS symptoms". Then you can see if you have any or all of them.

3) Then, go to see your doctor, better prepared to partner with him/her in getting you a diagonsis not only for your "condition", but for medications and/or other suggestions for "managing" your symptoms.

Finally, please feel free to contact me by clicking onto my Yahoo name and email me or im me with additional questions along your process of discovery.

Best wishes.

Answer 4

Go to the doctors. My dad has it, he started getting electric shock type feelings in his body, also had a numbness in his face and tingling sometimes.
There are 2 types of MS, some have relapses , some are progressive and it just gets worse.
Good luck and I hope it's not the case.

Answer 5

There are lot of tests etc that need to be done before you will be diagnosed with this - MRI scans, lumber punctures (not nice) and generally have at least 3 attacks.

Have a look at this website - http://www.mstrust.org.uk/default.jsp

Answer 6

Tingling sensation or loss of sensation in hands and feet.
Slurred speech.
Double/blurred vision.
There are lots of symptoms, which is why it's so difficult to diagnose. I should get my diagnosis on Tuesday. If you are concerned, go straight to your doctor, and don't be fobbed off. Good luck.

Answer 7

Go to your doctor. Immediately.

There's a website listed below which lists the various symptoms, but my initial advice stands.

Answer 8

Go to the doctor and get some blood tests.

Answer 9

This diseases is almost one of exclusion after all the neurologist has elminated all other diseases. There is no way a person can diagnose themself. See a neurologist, if you have symptoms.

Answer 10

one start to drop things or falls off their hands for no reason. Best consult the doctor