Hi I previously visited a neurologist following para thesis symptoms, fatigue and noturnia. I was referred due to previous optic neuralgia in both eyes… The neurologist informed me it couldn’t be MS as optic neuralgia is only in 1 eye. A clear spine & brain MRI confirmed no lesions. This was in 2010. Since the. I have been on gabapentin for my symptoms which range from tingling and itchiness to a real aching tiredness in my wrists and forearms which prevents me doing things. More recently I have experienced severe restless legs, tiredness and hives and/ or extreme itching in hands and feet . The hives come up on my legs and stay for hours. I have booked another GP appointment but I feel like a hypochondriac in all honesty. A nurse previously told me its normal to be so tired all the time when you work and have a family. I’m not convinced its normal to feel an overwhelming need to sleep midway through the day ??! Just looking for some advice really before my GP app. Is it possible to have a clear MRI and receive a diagnosis later on or do I need to look at other possibilities like stress causing these symptoms?
Hi K. There are plenty working mums who have a hectic life…I used to be one! But they dont all have the kind of fatigue you describe…so I reckon that statement from your nurse, isn`t an accurate one, eh?
Getting a diagnosis of MS or other similar conditions can take a long time…again, that`s me too!
I cant give an answer re ON in eyes, as that never applied to me. But I know others will tell you about it.
MRIs often dont show lesions very clearly. Seeing as your last one was in 2010, I think your doc should refer you back to the neuro, as there is obviously something wrong.
I spent years seeing neuros and having tests. I know how it feels to be ill and wonder if you are believed by anyone.
Hang in there hun and I hope you get somewhere soon, with it all.
luv Pollx
Hello and welcome 
Optical symptoms are normally in one eye with MS, but they can affect both eyes at the same time, especially if they didn’t start at exactly the same time (i.e. one first then the other follows shortly afterwards). However, hives are not something that is associated with MS so, if you have MS, I would think that there is something else going on too. In my limited knowledge, hives are associated with allergies so perhaps you have developed one to gabapentin; it is possible even if you have been on it for a long time. Or something else of course. But perhaps hives are a clue to something other than MS.
I just had a wee look on-line about vitamin B12 deficiency and hives. It appears that there is a link. This is definitely something that you should get checked as B12 deficiency can cause all sorts of neurological symptoms, including optic neuritis. A deficiency would also be more likely than MS to affect both eyes at once.
Standard B12 blood tests are not particularly sensitive so be prepared to talk to your GP about more sensitive tests (of B12 metabolites, I think). B12 deficiency can cause permanent neurological damage and symptoms that are very similar to primary progressive MS, but can be halted with correct supplementation.
It may not be B12 deficiency of course, but it seems sensible to get it checked out properly. If it comes back fine, then I think you should be insisting on a new neuro referral. It is not impossible for someone with MS to have a clear MRI the first time.
Good luck.
Karen x
Thank you for your responses I hadn’t considered b12 deficiency so will make sure that is included in the blood test next time . In all honesty I’ve experienced a number of different symptoms and the hives are just the most recent which i also thought was an allergic reaction but 3 months on it still happening. Whatever it is, hopefully I will get to the bottom of it and feel less of a hypochondriac in the future !! x