About 4 years ago I started getting strange symptoms ie pain weakness i had already suffered with epilepsy for many years also I have suffered with shaking hands my GP did blood tests all came back ok so was later diagnosed with fibromyalgia then started having chest problems wheezing palpitations breathlessness I was referred to a heart doctor, well nothing other than my blood pressure I was then diagnosed with copd I have had asthma since a child and was diagnosed with depression 3 years ago now I have cramps weakness one of my eyes is blurred I swell on my left side then get a great pain that wraps round my chest only left side front to back but it’s like burning and crushing feeling it’s so painfull I forget things get headaches sweating really bad my doctor he is not a neurologist says I have to go for a mri on my head as may have ms also am having rehabilitation to help my mobility has anyone been in a similar position.
Hi Kaza
It doesn’t necessarily sound like you have MS. But then MS comprises a whole load of potential symptoms, many of which are shared with other disorders.
If your doctor has said you need an MRI, then they are probably referring you for one. But you’ve also said that the doctor who wants you to have an MRI is not a neurologist. Only a neurologist can diagnose MS. And generally only after they’ve seen you, done a physical exam and conducted tests, one of which would be an MRI, bug there could be others too.
Perhaps you should talk to your doctor who wants you to have an MRI. Ask him/her to refer you to a neurologist, if indeed they think your problems are neurological.
Sue
Some of your symptoms COULD be caused by MS but equally they COULD well be caused by 100 other things. From what you have said, you have definitely NOT been diagnosed with MS or any neurological condition at thls stage but your doctor is suggesting sensible tests to explore the possibility.
Many neurological conditions are very difficult to diagnose (as are the other conditions that ape them). Rather than being able to test with a positive result for Test A being proof of Condition B, Neurologists often have to “diagnose by elimination” where they carry out many tests which discount the possibilities one by one and the last man standing is the final diagnosis.
It is a very lengthy process for many people and it is a very worrying and frustrating period for people too.
An MRI seems like a sensible next step. The results of that might give a good steer as to where the search goes next (ie to a neurologist to continue searching for possible neurological causes or whether a different area of medicine needs to be explored.) Things could begin to become much clearer after the MRI but don’t bank on getting answers.
Good luck. Remember that you can always ask questions here - people are very friendly and knowledgeable too. We are not doctors but we have been round the block in terms of neurological tests!
Hi all am a newbie on here, Having been in hosp over Xmas and losing my balance and sudden hearing loss. Iwas eventually sent for a MRI by ENT( took them weeks) My results show demyelation highly suggestive of MS. I have had many symtoms over the years however mostly dismissed by GPs.Ie…Vertigo,Fatigue , numb fingers, left arm intence pain lasted 6 months , Spasms, Aches in hips ,Osteo Arthritis in neck , Septic Arthritis, Septasemia etc etc …Dsylexia… Ive an appoint on 22nd with a Nuerologist gives me answers any advice welcomed as dont know what to think as was being treated for Vestibular and Dry eyes skin potentially Sjogrens which is similar . But assume the spots in my brain arent Sjogrens …
Hi Jane
You’ve joined onto someone else’s thread here. You might get more replies by starting your own. Hit the New Thread button and give it a title. Then type your thoughts, questions, ideas and chances are you’ll get relevant replies.
Sue
Been to my GP today after having a mri scan he told me I have a few white anomalies on my brain he needed to check my cholesterol that’s boarder line but ok. He said I had to wait to see my specialists who may refer my to neuroligist but might not I don’t see him till September. He told me it could be my age. I have asked if they would consider doing neck and back mri as only had brain done he is writing to the specialist to ask for that and possible lumber puncture. Any advice would be great please x