Multiple sclerosis?

Question

Hi, I'm a 23 year old male that is frustrated with his doctors so far but I don't blame them. I've been to the Neurologist 2 times did the reflex test, zapping finger test (sry don't know the specific name) and the thing where they put a whole bunch of sensers on your head, It all came back negative. I also have had a MRI on my spine , Blood test and they both come back negative. Now as for my symptoms I get muscle aches from time to time around my body and muscle twitches anywhere on my body that only come when im sitting or laying in bed, they never show up when I'm walking around or doing something. My muscle strenght is still as strong as before when the symptoms started 3 months ago. I also sometimes wake up from sleep with change in sensation throughout my body kinda numbness but this only happens in sleep not when im awake. Does anyone here know if these symptoms could be Multiple sclerosis and should I talk to my Neurologist about getting a brain MRI done? Thanks.

Answer 1

They could be, but then they could be symptoms of many other diseases. You could request an MRI. Multiple sclerosis can take a long time to diagnose. Most doctors usually don't diagnose multiple sclerosis until they see lesions on the MRI. Optic neuritis, difficulty with balance, and exhaustion are the classic symptoms and very often the first symptoms of MS, but that doesn't mean that you don't have it. I surely hope that you don't for your sake. I will say that the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are experienced whether you are asleep or awake. Good luck to you. I must ad that I was diagnosed with multiole sclerosis at the Cleveland Clinic. The majority of neurologists that I have been to do not use the spinal tap but prefer to utilize the MRI. The spinal tap is no longer thought of as the definitive test for MS. It certainly can be diagnosed by an MRI. You can call the National MS society to confirm this.

Answer 2

I have had MS for 6 years, a MRI of the brain and upper spine would be a good start, but lesions on either could be also there from severe migraines or other conditions. Your symptoms may, may not be as for MS no 2 people are the same, after going to many specialist including one that practiced in Great Britian just with MS patience, the agreement is you can be diagnosed and started on therapy with out a spinal tap. But the only proof positive is to have this done, you could be looking at something as simple as a pinched nerve but I would not hesitate to talk your concerns out with your Doctor.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Folks, modern technology does not *require* a spinal tap to confirm a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. My diagnosis was confirmed using 1. clinical correlation, and 2. positive results on a brain MRI. That was enough to confirm MS and start medication.

However, as in all clinical situations, YMMV (your mileage may vary). Every situation is unique, as is every person's disease course with MS. I would suggest you speak to your neurologist about MS if you haven't yet, and the two of you together should decide whether or not to get a brain MRI.

For a diagnosis of MS, a complete medical history review, along with a full neurological test and a brain MRI will be required. Your doctor may also want you to get a spinal tap, but it is not absolutely necessary to confirm a diagnosis of MS.

What I will tell you as a person with MS, in my absolutely non-professional opinion, is that your symptoms are atypical of MS sufferers (which means that you don't show symptoms that are generally seen with people who have MS). MS will manifest itself as tingling or numbness in the extremities, loss of balance, vision changes (i.e. retrobulbar optic neuritis), bladder and/or bowel changes, etc. Eventually, those symptoms will progress, but those are the general beginning symptoms. However, don't take that as an indication not to work with your neurologist closely. And if you don't like the answers you're getting, get a new neurologist. Ultimately, you have to be happy with the decisions the two of you make together.

Answer 5

As cece said, the definitive test for MS is a Spinal Tap. Not pleasant, but if you have to get one don't freak-it's not going to kill you. I have MS and have spent a good deal of time talking with other MS patients and your symptoms as you've shared don't sound typical of MS. More often than not you don't realize you have it until one day you can't feel your feet and you don't have enough strength to walk to the mailbox. I advise continuing discussions with your doctor about possibilities. As a Neurologist he will likely resort to an MRI when warranted. But he has to have a good reason/suspicion to do one or your insurance may not pay (They cost around $1500 per MRI), so they often choose to wait a bit.
But let me say this, if you're doctor's not getting the job done, you're not satisfied with the results, or you don't have the communication you feel you need at this critical point, it is OK to FIRE your doctor. I'm not encouraging it, but your healthcare is a two way street and you have to have a good relationship with your doctor.
Good luck, I hope it all works out.

Answer 6

MS is diagnosed by a spinal tap. Not a particulary fun procedure. Muscle twitching at night is not uncommon as the muscles relax some people have these twitches.