This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

On Wednesday of this week, I developed a headache sometime around mid-day, I took the rest of the day off work and then realized it wasn't exactly my head but rather my eyes that are hurting when I shift them. It feels a bit like sinus pressure but I don't have the other telltale areas of pain associated with sinuses. Today I realized that this is very similar to what I went through last december just before I lost vision. I was diagnosed at that time so technically, I haven't had any relapses since and I'm worried that this may be one. I haven't been to the doctor yet, kind of hoping it will pass but I'd like to know what you all do when you know you're having a relapse? Do you call your doctor? If it's after hours, do you go to the emergency room? I've read that it's important to get on steroids asap at the time of an enhancing lesion to reduce the damage. My vision isn't diminished yet and hopefully this won't amount to anything but I'd still like to know what to do in the event of the big "R".
Thank You
Kara

Hi Kara,

If I were in your shoes I would call my neuro immediately and try to speak with him/her and if they're not available then I would ask for a nurse. If neither are available I would say "screw it" and head to the hospital.

When my neuro diagnosed me I asked him, "Is there anything that I should pay attention to or seek immediate treatment for if it happens?" Among all the obvious he also said that if I see a grey spot in my central vision line (I guess wherever I'm looking, if I see grey rather than the object) then I should go to the ER immediately. He said the longer it persists the more damage to my eye sight.

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October 29, 2009 - Dx with RRMS
June 22, 2010 - Dx's changed to Devic's (NMO)
January 4, 2011 - Dx w/Syringomyelia T4-T9, Migraines, and Possible MS (again - long story)

Sounds like good advice, LA, thank you. The eye pain is still there but no changes in vision. My husband thinks I'm worrying needlessly and I agree with him but it's human nature. I would imagine everyone with RRMS spends a certain amount of time wondering when the next relapse will occur.

Hi.

Steroids have been proven not to reduce any damage. They could only shorten the duration of the relapse, if you are lucky enough and if they are taken within the first couple of weeks following the appearance of the symptoms.

sou

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Shortest joke: "We may not be able to cure MS but we can manage its symptoms."

MY MS Center tells me ANY new or worsening of a old sx that lasts for 24 hours NEEDS to be reported. Even if only for documentation. It should be reported UNLESS its a visual sx. Optic Neuritis is a hall mark sign of MS, and many folks with MS have it, or have had it, or will get it. Damage to the optic nerve isnt something to mess with. Optic symptoms NEED to be reported when they happen. Please dont wait.

If you call your eye MD they will be able to examine the front tip of the optic nerve by looking in your eye, but the optic nerve itself is about 2 inches long and its impossible to see the whole thing, unless they use MRI. Just be looking at the front tip, they can see swelling , pressure, or bulging, that would lead them to want to look further.

Please, call your MD and ask to be seen.

I have damage to my own optic nerve that causes all sorts of weird problems. I always advocate that if someone says "should I call my MD" the answer is 99% of the time, yes! listen to your gut. make the call.