Hello! I have been experiencing an unbalanced sensation for the past 3 months. I feel as if I am walking on a mattress or a bouncy house. I have also had several years of a tremor and head bobbing in addition to a sensation of pricking needles in my arms and legs. I have addressed these concerns with my general doctor. He ordered a brain MRI and ordered general lab work. Labs returned normal (CBC and Basic Metabolic Panel) and Dr. states that the MRI is normal. Only finding on MRI is “single punctate FLAIR hyper intense focus is noted at the left frontal subcortical white matter.” Vestibular possibility with ears was ruled out by Dr too. Wondering if anyone has symptoms similar with unremarkable MRI that pursued more testing to discover it was MS? Thank you!
Hi Gnomegirl
I would want further testing of B12 and Vitamin D levels, as a B12 deficiency could cause some of the symptoms you have described; I would also definitely get a referral to a Neurologist as they will be much better placed than the GP to determine whether there is a neurological issue going on. Stand your ground and push for that referral; but be prepared for any dx to take time. You have a range of issues, the balance, tremor, pins and needles sensation and head bobbing which would suggest something neurological is going on.
For myself - it took 9 years before I was dx with MS. Lots of alternative ideas thrown at me by the neuros, but eventually the evidence was there - they have a pretty specific set of boxes that have to be ticked to dx MS.
It started out with pins and needles/sunburn sensation in my left hand/arm and gradually balance issues, fatigue and a few other symptoms joined in. My GP was very quick to refer me to Neurology (he was a great GP - now retired), he stated that he had a good idea, but was not a specialist in neurological conditions.
The initial MRI’s didn’t show anything; the MRI ordered by the Neurologist showed 3 lesions in my brain - which haven’t changed since they were first seen. I had a lumbar puncture, which was positive for oligoclonal banding (an indication of inflammation in the cerebro/spinal fluid. My initial spinal MRI was clear, but the latest one showed 4 lesions in my spinal cord.
Vestibular issues have been ruled out concerning by balance issues, which consist of bouts of loss of balance, a bit like when you are starting to get drunk and a bit wobbly, which annoyingly come and go randomly. My left left is rather stiff and my left foot feels like I am wearing a think neoprene sock - when I put my foot down it feels like there is something thick but squishy under it, which also makes walking a bit odd.
Hope that you are able to get some answers soon.
Hi Theresa,
Can I ask out of interest, you say the initial MRI didn’t show anything but the one the neurologist ordered showed 3 lesions? What was the time span between the two MRIs, or were different scans ordered or something?
I’m awaiting my MRI results but the 2019 ones were fine and everything I’ve read suggests the lesions would show up from very early in the disease process, maybe even pre-symptoms, but your comment has made me wonder. Thanks 
Hello,
Welcome. I believe dark lesions may not show up on MRI. Have you had a lumbar puncture test?
Best,
JP
Hi Cc1
The first MRIs I had were looking for physical compression of the spinal cord in the neck, herniated disc(s), abnormal bone structure etc. When those came back normal I was referred to Neurology; and they ordered Brain and Full Spine MRIs.
2014 - 3 Lesions in Brain / No lesions in spine.
The 3 lesions in the brain do not correspond with the symptoms I have.
This continued to be the case, despite me having a variety of symptoms until 2022 I started having serious difficulty emptying my bladder/could not feel when bladder was full. After this was confirmed by Urology, they informed Neurology who requested Brain and Full Spinal again.
2022 - 3 lesions in brain, unchanged. Spinal MRI showed up 4 lesions, in locations that corresponded with most of the symptoms I have including the bladder issues.