I am a 61 year old male. Despite multiple investigations and two neurologists, my symptoms, which appear to me very close to MS have not been attributed to any specific illness but many things have been “ruled out”! Perhaps someone could tell me if they are likely early signs of MS?Symptoms started last October with sudden onset of optic neuritis in right eye upon waking. Very blurred vision that gradually improved over 24 hrs but with loss of half a dioptre in this eye. In May this year in early morning experienced severe tremor in left hand for three hours. Hasn’t hahhened since. Then, upon awakening, blurred vision in right eye this time accompanied by double vision. Resolved completely in 24 hrs. A second opthalmologist did a complete exam and found a slight loss of colour vision in right eye and blurred optic disc. On both ocassions, I experienced pain, sometimes considerable, in this eye. All other eye conditions such as glaucoma were ruled out. Doc diagnosed optic neuritis. In hospital in Mar had MRA and MRI of brain, eyes, optic nerve with gadolinium contrast. One or two small lesions in brain were attributed to hypertension or age. A few weeks later a Visually Evoked Response test normal. Neurologist found nothing abnormal includin balance and tandem walking test.
Since leaving hospital in May have developed many new symptoms. Firstly, can’t stand with one foot in front of the other without losing balance. Can’t do two steps in tandem without falling. Same every day. Had a period about 6 weeks ago where bladder incompletey emptied and much hesitancy- not due to enlarged prostate- a different sensation. This has now resolved. Bowel motions have shown a change in the last two months with hard, lumpy pellets despite no change in diet. About a month ago dropped a large bottle with no idea that I had lost my grip- a strange sensation. One day suddenly felt considerable pain around my chest midway up ribs to belly that felt like a tightening in the skin or muscles- more on the outside. Never had this before. two hours later came back much worse so I could hardly walk. Severe pain for one hour. Haven’t had it since. Every day severe fatigue often in late afternoon when I can hardly get up then disappears as if nothing happened. Slight sense of dizziness all the time. In last month suffering additionally from periods of anorgasmia.
Second neurologist said all these symptoms unrelated. Thought VitB12 the problem but test negative. Lyme Disease negative. Ordered repeat MRI of brain- showed nothing new. MRI of spine showed degenerative disc and bone changes but nothing related to MS. All other blood tests normal.
Can anyone suggest what I should do next? All symptoms remain without explanation! Neurologist does not think MS the cause. Said balance could be affected by alcohol; was drinking 1-2 glasses wine per day- stopped altogether made no difference to balance problem.