slurred speech, disorientation, pins and needles, could i have ms?

Question

i have been suffering with these symptoms for months doc thinks i have carpal tunnel syndrome but i am not convinced. I am so clumsy lately i can fall over anything!!! I slur my speech now and then and i have pins and needles in my hands frequently!! How do i ask my gp to investigate without him thinking i am neurotic and a hypochondriac???

Answer 1

Do you know the the term hypochondriac means behind the ribs and that in the later portion of the 1800's it became closely associated with women's illness's as many afflictions were related to the liver, kidney's and heart. All of which are 'behind the ribs'. Therefore when a woman was ill she became known as a hypochondriac. With this bit of knowledge why I say don't let the man in the little white coat on an ego trip (or not) let you feel that your anything other than in full control of your health care. You pay for your health insurance and co-pays. Your doctor works for you, not the other way around. As I encourage ALL my patients write out a list of your symptom from the worst to the least and a brief note as to what if anything make it better or worse. This way you will have the info when asked and won't feel rattled. Try to include things like the date of onset (as close as you can remember). Have a written list of medication, vitamins and herbal suppilment with you. Now I can't give you a diagnosis but I can tell you carpal tunnels is in the hands and it sounds as though you need to seek a second opinion from a neurologist and sooner rather than later. In the mean time have someone check your blood pressure, if its higher than 150/90 let your GP know asap and insist on being seen for it. Even taking a trusted friend or family member with you to help 'hear' his answers and ask questions might help. If that doesn't work call your insurance company, explain your situation and ask for their help you, would be surpirsed at how helpful they can be. They have a stake in keeping you whole and healtly. I truly hope this helps. Prayers will be said for you my dear, good luck and GOD bless.

Answer 2

My wife has MS and it is quite bad, she has had pins and needles, and she has had some disorientation she use to drop things when she could walk, but the chance you have MS is low, but can not say for sure even if you read up on the MS web site, With MS it comes in many forms, and your local GP is not the best to ask, if you are really worried about this ask to see a specialist even if it means paying for it, at least this will put your mind at rest, but don't keep putting it of get it done so you know what the problem is.

good luck

Answer 3

Sadly the symptoms you describe could be linked to any number of conditions and because of that fact, it would be very unfair to attempt to second guess what the diagnosis may actually be. However, what I would say is that when Doctors look for explanations to conditions, they generally test to prove someone DOES NOT have a condition rather than to PROVE they do have a condition. So, my advice to you would be to ask your Doctor to run another number of tests to include (if he hasn't had them already) a series of blood tests checking for base metals, poisoning, elevated cell counts and abnormalities. And yes, tell him, I know that means a LOT of tests, but this is what he should be doing. Also, he should have/had a CAT scan, an MRI scan and a full set of tests to determine adequate blood supply to the brain and heart. Special attention should be paid to the nervous system, including the brain and the spinal column and the condition of the vertebrae and all the blood supplies associated with this area. What I would say also, is that some conditions are such that all tests will come back negative and it is this fact that indicates a silent condition. Dyspraxia (aka DCD) is a neurological disorder in children in which the sheath covering the neurones is underdeveloped and this is a classic example of this. All tests are negative. I hope you find answers soon, God bless and Good Luck x

Answer 4

are the symtoms on one side of the body over the other? How about using wrong words?
there are som many possibilities, but definately see a doctor.
Migraines can cause these symptoms. So can Transient Isachemic attacks, like mini strokes.
Definately get this seen too. It can be clots in the blood, narrowing of vessels to head, all sorts of causes.
Birth control pills can cause these symptoms and many women can't take them after a certain age.
Take care.

Answer 5

The very next time you get slurred speech go straight to your A&E , your symptons can then be seen by the MO on duty. It could take months for your GP to get a referral, he obviously doesn't appreciate how anxious you are.

Answer 6

You could see another doctor or even go to A & E when your speech is slurring. If not, then go back to your doctor and say it's still going on and you're concerned...they should refer you.

Answer 7

Please please get another Doctor. They are being paid to look after your well being.They are suppose to care and you should have complete confidence in them.
Ask for a second opinion, or go to a hospital near to you where they have a neurological department.
I do hope things work out for you.
Don't do this by yourself get help from your family and friends - that's what their for!
Good Luck

Answer 8

Slurred speech is not a symptom of C.T.S.You might be suffering from focal migraines but you need to press your G.P. to refer you to a consultant.

Answer 9

You are entitled to a second oppinion, so go see another doctor, doctors make mistakes, better to get this sorted out and if need be get the right medication.

Answer 10

Go on the Internet and type in Ms and then symptoms and it should tell you! Good Luck!