What do you make of it?

[Djtcl5]

I'll try to keep this short. I've had various issues for 15 years. About 5 years ago my PCP suspected MS and sent me to neuro. I had a nerve study which was normal and was basically sent on my merry way. My symptoms subsided as usual so I never pursued it. Since then, I've had crazy things here and there but nothing too bad so I just brushed it off. 3 months ago my arm and hand started randomly tingling. It then spread to my chest. Went to my new PCP who also suspected "something neurological" and referred me to a different neuro. Just left that appointment. He did all his little tests. As usual my right reflexes were less pronounced than left. I told him everything in one huge rambling breath so I could get it all out there. He typed for what seemed an eternity. Turned to me and asked if anyone in my family has MS. I told him I was adopted. More typing. Then he said he wanted a nerve study and c-spine MRI. Told me to be careful not to fall. Shook my hand and was off. Any thoughts?

[euphoniaa]

I'll try to keep this short. I've had various issues for 15 years. About 5 years ago my PCP suspected MS and sent me to neuro. I had a nerve study which was normal and was basically sent on my merry way. My symptoms subsided as usual so I never pursued it. Since then, I've had crazy things here and there but nothing too bad so I just brushed it off. 3 months ago my arm and hand started randomly tingling. It then spread to my chest. Went to my new PCP who also suspected "something neurological" and referred me to a different neuro. Just left that appointment. He did all his little tests. As usual my right reflexes were less pronounced than left. I told him everything in one huge rambling breath so I could get it all out there. He typed for what seemed an eternity. Turned to me and asked if anyone in my family has MS. I told him I was adopted. More typing. Then he said he wanted a nerve study and c-spine MRI. Told me to be careful not to fall. Shook my hand and was off. Any thoughts?

Hi Djtcl5, and welcome!

Actually, your previous post was not necessarily in the "wrong place" (we're not that strict about that), but FYI, as a Moderator, I just deleted it since it was an exact duplicate of this one and it would be easier to keep all your replies in one place.

Generally, all neurological conditions produce such similar symptoms that there's really no way to tell which one (or more than one, like me) it is without further testing and evaluation by experts -- preferably official doctors rather than MS sufferers with brain damage like us.

However, we do have opinions (and ONLY opinions), personal (unique) experiences, and favorite theories, etc., etc. and we like to hand them out... My own first recommendation to anyone is to take a deep breath & relax -- there's really no rush. And mostly I always suggest that, no matter what you find out from the testing, you can't go wrong with optimizing your general health in the meantime. It's at least as important as any med you might eventually decide to take.

I've obviously had MS for about 40 years, but by the time of my diagnosis 13 years ago I had managed (with daily exercise, healthy diet, sleep, etc.) to get myself into such good physical shape & improve so many of my symptoms that my diagnosis was a complete surprise -- to me AND my doctor. I didn't even bother to mention a list of symptoms to him, since I barely noticed any by then.

It's good that your docs have MS on their radar, and have ordered the nerve testing -- I do hope a brain MRI is included along with the C-spine MRI, however. Although we hope you don't have MS, there are worse neurological conditions to have. Good luck to you and keep us posted!

[Djtcl5]

Thanks! I actually didn't feel dismissed even though my appointment was brief. I feel like he is getting the ball rolling. Of course I don't want MS but at this point, I just want to know what's going on. Then, I can deal with it. I'm actually not disturbed about any of it but relieved to be heading in the right direction..... Or at least SOME direction! I just found it interesting that he seemed to go straight for the spinal MRI and no brain scan at all. He also didn't talk about mimics nor order blood tests etc. I don't know... Just my thought! Thanks again!!

[Djtcl5]

Oh and the "don't fall" comment. I never mentioned falling or balance issues. Hmm

[lyndacarol]

I'll try to keep this short. I've had various issues for 15 years. About 5 years ago my PCP suspected MS and sent me to neuro. I had a nerve study which was normal and was basically sent on my merry way. My symptoms subsided as usual so I never pursued it. Since then, I've had crazy things here and there but nothing too bad so I just brushed it off. 3 months ago my arm and hand started randomly tingling. It then spread to my chest. Went to my new PCP who also suspected "something neurological" and referred me to a different neuro. Just left that appointment. He did all his little tests. As usual my right reflexes were less pronounced than left. I told him everything in one huge rambling breath so I could get it all out there. He typed for what seemed an eternity. Turned to me and asked if anyone in my family has MS. I told him I was adopted. More typing. Then he said he wanted a nerve study and c-spine MRI. Told me to be careful not to fall. Shook my hand and was off. Any thoughts?

Welcome to ThisIsMS, Djtc15.

Your doctor didn't order any blood tests?!! (As you mentioned in your second post)

Neurological symptoms are found in many conditions that have no basis in neurology. For example, nutrient deficiencies (such as vitamin D deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, magnesium deficiency, etc.) can manifest with neurological symptoms. These possible causes for your symptoms are easily ruled out with blood tests; they are much more common than MS.

I suggest you start by calling your PCP and request the vitamin D blood test known as "25-hydroxy D." (Actually any physician – even your neuro – can order this test for you.) Ask for your own copy of any test results – it is important to have the actual numbers.

While you're at it, ask for the initial testing for a possible vitamin B12 deficiency. Thorough initial testing includes 4 tests: #1 serum B12 test, #2 RBC folate test, #3 serum homocysteine test, and #4 a methylmalonic acid.

Then, request a magnesium test. Then, a zinc test. All these nutrients – and calcium and iron – are frequently low or deficient in patients ultimately diagnosed with MS.