For the last couple of years i have had pain in my head like someone putting thousands of needles in my scalp on and off, my face goes tingly and my eye goes funny, doc couldnt decide what it was so medication for pain and carry on, then 4 weeks ago it happened again i felt like i was hit by a bus i could not move i was so tired, even getting to the loo was awful i was that tired, my head hurt same pain as before my face tingled my hand felt like it was so swollen but it wasnt, it was tingly but had been told in past it was carpol tunnel, but this time my eye didnt return to normal, so went to doc who sent me to opticion who sent me back who spoke to hospital who had me in same day for ct scan, not tumour thank god but been told i have optic neuritis and may have ms, i had been referred to neurologist for the headaches and they are now speading up appointment due to lack of sight in my right eye, im bacl at hospital tomorrow to see opthalmologist again and he is going to organise mri, and possible lumbar puncture, i am so scared, i had been told it was anything from migrain to neuralgia this came totaly out of the blue i never ever thiught it could be this, my question is does a mri always show ms? Im so scared to have a lumbar puncture as i had one the first time this happened and it went wrong i was in bed for weeks, i do not want that agin.
Hello anon
I’m really sorry that your feeling so frightened at the moment.
Try not to think about having a lumbar puncture too much. I know some people have had bad experiences but many have them without any problems at all. I’ve had one and it went ok…would rather have been eating chocolate pudding and custard though
Its your choice what you have done to your body anon. Why don’t you wait and see what the MRI results show and then decide about the lumbar puncture, if the neuro recommends one.
An MRI scan will show any lesions that are present on the brain/spine. The results can suggest demylinating disease, so aiding diagnosis. A neurologist can in some cases, along with cinical evidence, be confident to give a diagnosis of MS. Depends of course how good the neuro is.
Good luck
Noreen xx
Thank you for your reply. I do what to know what is wrong with me but at the moment all possibilities make me so scared. Dies a mri always show it up? Hopefully tomorrow we will have a plan of tests to get some sort of diagnosis. I know it can take a long time my son is epileptic. Thank you again for your reply. I have not googled i learned that lesson a long time ago. Xx
Hello Anon, Please try not to be scared as Noreen has said a MRI will tell the neuro a lot along with your medical history. Make it very clear about the pain on your scalp as it is different from an ordinary headache, not forgetting Optic Neuritis. Be thinking of you tomorrow. Good luck. Janet x
Thank you.
Hello again anon It is a scary time and I do sympathise. So many unanswered questions, it’s very stressful. If there are lesions on your brain, then the scan should show that anon. your right about google, keep away. Hopefully, things will become clearer following the scan. Patients is the key word 
Good luck Let us know how you get on. Noreen xx
So we are at the hospital with my son this morning and the neuro called to talk about my symptoms and she has asked me o go along after her clinic at 1. Just so she can talk to me unofficially. We live 3 1/2 hours from this hospital so its appreciated. Is there anything i should ask? Nervous. Xx
Writing symptoms down is always good, but you have not had time. I am not surprised you are nervous but I am sure they will try to make you feel at ease, which will help you to feel better at asking the right questions.
good luck and lots of huggs to you and yours,
catherine xx
Mention everything you’ve mentioned above anon. If you have pen and paper on you, write things down. Anything in your past, that you can relate to Neuro type problems. Basicly tell him/her about all your symptoms…a good Neuro will ask you the right questions. I hope someone comes on an adds something, because I’ve only had one cup of tea and my brain needs at least three. I’m not joking Good luck anon Noreen xx
Sorry Catherine
Thank hubby and I are making a list. X
Blossom is right a good Neuro will ask the right questions which will then prevoke you to remember what he will need to give you the best help he can. If you can brain storm with symptoms then grab a paper and write them down and hand them to the Nuero, would also help.
Take a few deep breaths, collect your thoughts and share x
I am glad you are getting a list together, and having your hubby there is an extra pair of ears for you too. He may catch things you did not hear first time round which you can discuss after the appointment, not mention he may remember more about your symptoms and more important give you moral support.
let us know what happens
So she examined my eyes and reflexes. Had a brief conversation and she is calling my ophthalmologist and i have to go back to see her soon she is going to start me on steroids not sure if a drip or oral yet. Which Ever works quicker i hope. She said my vision may not return back to what it was. So not very long conversation but is bringing me back soon to have a good long chat she said. Happy I’m getting treatment. Thank you for your support. X
Good to hear appointment went well. I hope the steroids help quickly. Keep coming on here for support, won’t you? Take care Noreen
I will thank you. She said oral steroids for 5 days and if no improvement in a week more active.treatment. So fingers crossed it works. Thank you again.
so glad you are getting the help you need xx
Hi, me again. I have been told i have to go in next week for some kind of treatment. They said it was a complicated procedure that involves my blood and it a bit like a transfusion but with medication added. Does anyone know what this might be? Thanks again. X
Hello helnbel
You really need to contact the department and ask for an explanation…didn’t they explain anything about what would be happening?
I know your scared but always try and remember, to ask questions…its your body and you have to consent to any treatment…so you need to be fully informed.
It could be what’s called an “Exchange Transfusion” but who knows!! give them a ring tomorrow
Take care
Noreen xx
Hi there I’m very sorry to hijack your discussion but I just seen your heading “scared” and it seemed to describe my situation just in those words ! Not sure if I’m abit of a Fake writing here as I have no medical diagnoses but after suffering with terrible headaches and pain in my eighth eye I was sent to see a neurologist who referred me for an MRI scan after confirming optic neurosis - Results came back with varies lesions showing in my Brian and optic nerve . Seen him yesterday and had a very cryptic chat , he mentioned MS and said the next step would be limber puncture to confirm diagnoses. I became quite upset and he went on to say "it’s not certain " but then steered the whole conversation around treatment ect . His last words were " I’m going to send you for an another MRI to see if and how fast it’s progressing " I’m so confused and upset and I’m fairly certain it Ms but he wasn’t willing to have me break down on is say so . I’m so scared and I don’t even know what to expect I only have a few friends and family as my close family and parents have passed and havnt discussed my worrys with them all but every time I mention it to some one I’m told " so and so has that and she still walks so don’t worry about it " or " don’t worry about it wel help you and if things get bad , wel manage it’s not a problem " none of this helps or makes me feel better . I can’t stand this , I can’t stand the idea of getting poorly or being cared for I’m only 28 with 2 small children , as a health care worker and now a student nurse I expect to do the caring for others . I know I’m jumping the gun abit and I don’t even know what I want from writing this here but it just helps to unload it somewhere and I couldn’t find any where else (sorry for the rant ) xx