Ask a Neurologist
10.02.2009 - Do I have MS?
- Question:
In 01 or 02 I was diagnosed with optical neuritis. I was not told then that it was one of the first signs of MS. When I mentioned it to my doctor later in 04, he sent me in for an MRI which came back negative. Since this time I have had spells with blurred vision in only the left side of both eyes which lasted 1-2 hours and eye pain. I have had dizziness, numbness in my left hand and fingers, constant fatigue, headaches, and have had days where I seem to trip over nothing. I have migraines which have recently started effecting my speech for days after with mostly stuttering. I have to urinate constantly and have been tested for fallen bladder which also came back negative. I have recently found out that 2 of my cousins have MS, but they are 3rd - 5th cousins. I have another cousin that was diagnosed with B12 deficiency. She was having tremors. What is my next step?
- Reply:
If optic neuritis is recovered and an MRI 2 years later shows no MS lesions, the chance of developing MS in the near future is below 15%. The visual loss you are noticing for 1-2 hours is not an MS sign/symptom. MS signs/symptoms have to last 24 hours at least. It could very well be that this is part of your migraine.
To be more precise about your diagnosis you should consider a new MRI investigation and laboratory investigation concerning your blood picture and determination of all vitamin B’s (B1, B6, B12 and folium acid). In the last case you’re certain of having or not having specific vitamin deficiency.
- Consultant:
- Dr. E.A.C.M. Sanders