Diagnosed from symptoms only?

New diagnosis and before diagnosis
1

Hi there

I’ve been on the neurological pathway for 4 years now following the death of my father. I have internal symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, depression, anxiety, word finding problems as well as physical symptoms like muscle cramps and spasms, numbness of limbs so complete lack of use of them, weakness in hands, tingling, burning, pins and needles, bladder weakness, chest pain (not heart), etc etc.

I had some MRIs a few years ago and whilst they weren’t perfect, they were never redone. Bloods were clear. Not had a spinal tap/lumbar puncture.

I was diagnosed with ME and Fibromyalgia last year, but I’ve been rereferred to the top Neurology hospital in London to reinvestigate MS.

Is there anyone here - or is it possible - to be diagnosed just from symptoms alone because, say, MRIs are clear? Or do you have to have symptoms and at least one abnormal test?

As my GP thinks, and I agree, I tick nearly every single symptom of MS, and when watching videos of patients, it’s like looking in a mirror.

Thanks in advance! V.

2

A detailed history and expert physical neurological exam used to be all the doctors had to go on, and they seemed to manage OK. MS existed long before MRI was invented. Sounds like what you need is a fresh pair of expert eyes on you (and some fresh scans, most likely!) and with luck that will help make things clearer. Please keep us up to date, if you are willing to, and good luck.

3

Nowadays you do need MRI results to back it up and maybe lumbar puncture too, to meet the MacDonald criteria. It is trickier for those who can’t have an MRI scan (due to pacemaker or metal implants) to get a diagnosis, but evoked potential tests can be used there.

Hope your referral gets you answers.