This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I've had some strange things happen to me physically, the most noticeable indicator being pins and needles on my arms and legs. So I got an MRI and it showed "several tiny nonspecific foci of T2/Flair hyperintensity in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres. The left front periventricular focus raises the possibility of demyelination"

First of all Im not 100% sure what that last sentence means. Is that area of the brain primarily associated with MS? And are lesions visible as such? The radiologist said whatever they were, they were less than 3 mm but there were 10 to 15 of them.

Then, as I do more research I realize that there are a lot of other symptoms that Ive had over the years. I just haven't put them together until now. But Ive had that 'electric feeling' in my scalp and down my spine, definitely fatigue (sometimes falling asleep at work), bipolar disorder, constipation, blurred vision, slight weakness in my arms, very mild muscle spasms, tingling on one side of my face, urinary urgency and retention, short term memory issues, very cold feet, choking on nothing but saliva, headaches that seem to be pressure related, feeling 'not quite there', dizziness/nausea when reclined.

I would like to know for sure if its MS or not so I can at least quit obsessing about it. But the more I read, the more MS seems to fit. Is there a definitive test?

hi willwest, that is a pretty MS-y looking list of symptoms, but you never know until the pros hand you a diagnosis.

as for the periventricular blah they seem to be suggestive of 'dawson's fingers' - you can read up on those at wikipedia.

unfortunately there does not yet seem to be a definitive test. however, there is a 'checklist' style of diagnostic tool that is currently used. look up the mcdonald criteria, for more info.

if you're interested in some perspectives on pro-active self-care, check out these various links in my signature below. i don't agree with everything at all of the sites specific to ms treatment, but each one has some important elements.

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my approach: no meds so far - just balanced whole foods (partial 'paleo', much less outright elimination), science, supplements, & bloodwork
my regimen - www.thisisms.com/ftopict-2489.html
www.whfoods.com, www.nutritiondata.com

Thanks Jimmylegs.
I noticed the Mcdonald criteria asks about two or more 'attacks'. Im just wondering what qualifies as an attack? I can feel the tingling most days now but its mild. Some of the other issues are ongoing. Are they talking about flareups where the symptoms are more pronounced?

yes ww, exactly - pronounced flare of symptoms.

_________________
my approach: no meds so far - just balanced whole foods (partial 'paleo', much less outright elimination), science, supplements, & bloodwork
my regimen - www.thisisms.com/ftopict-2489.html
www.whfoods.com, www.nutritiondata.com