?more symptoms

New diagnosis and before diagnosis
1

Hello,

looking for some advice.

I have had two episodes of optic neuritis symptoms (4 months apart) however these never showed up on an OCT or brain MRI.. even when presenting with symptoms

on my second spell of optic neuritis I also have pins and needles in my feet, when I brought this up to the GP they said they would refer me to neurology but the brain MRI is reassuring as it was clear.

However more recently the pins and needles are triggered when I tip my head forwards , which I understand can be L’hermmites sign, however this does not feel very sudden? It comes on from my lower back to my legs as sort of a buzz but lasts as long as my head is there, no sort of zap or shock more just a dull surge? Can last about 10-15 seconds. Would this still be considered L’hermittes sign.

There is a year wait to be seen by neurology where I am under the NHS. I just worry if these are both symptoms of MS and my second potential relapse is worse than the first waiting a year seems a long time! I wonder if they’re not worried because my brain MRI was clear, but a small percentage of people only have lesions in the spine?

The GP did say present to A&E if I have another spell of symptoms but don’t see what they would be able to do? I can’t work out if I’ve also had some mild speech and balance disturbances - or I’m just winding myself up!

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you

1 Like
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Hi Elizabeth :waving_hand:

A year does sound like a long time to wait.

Under those circumstances, I’d be tempted to give it a couple of days to see how the speech and Balance issues go (keep notes of what’s going on). Then, if you’re sure they’re getting worse, present yourself to A&E as advised by your GP.

The hospital here has a PALS department where we can walk in and make contact with the neurology nurses to have information or messages passed on if need be.

I can’t really help you with the L’hermittes sign - I only had it twice a long time ago. Both times it was like a hard quick electric shock in the back of my neck.

Take care mate x

Jon.

3

Have you had a lumbar punch?

In 1976 my mum had retrobulbonitous, nothing was done. Roll on a lot of years, a few bad falls, purple hands, fatigue etc referral to neurological consultant, lumbar punch done. 2012 consultant appointment who did the basic walking in a straight line, touching your nose etc, once mum had explained about the 1976 incident it was then officially diagnosed as MS!! She has progressive Ms and has never received much help or support from our local nhs Ms nurse etc :roll_eyes: