In the process of DX: tingling/hyperreflexia/hoffman's sign - your thoughts?

[Towsongrad]

Hi everyone!
First. Let me clarify that I'm in the process of being DX with MS or something else. It's been a long few months. I have had so many weird medical issues and nothing at all before last year. I'm a 42 year old mom no is a competitor swimmer. I try to eat fairly healthy as well.
So, all started last fall . I had horrible leg pain . I couldn't walk up the stairs without my legs just burning and aching. Like horrible almost lactic acid burn. Not like me. I also had ongoing tingling in my feet. I then had a ton of test done. Blood work to rule out everything. I did have Epstein Barr and low vitamin d that should be long gone by now.
I had an MRI of the brain and lumbar and cervical spine and none showed lesions. I have not had an MRI of the thoracic spine yet. I did go to a neurosurgeon due to some herniated discs. He did the basic neuro assessment and I have hyperreflexia in my legs ( knees) and also Hoffman's sign.
I still get paresthesia in my legs and pain so awful I want too cut my legs off somedays ( ok I'd never do that but seems like the only relief). I have really weird dreams and sleep horribly. Everyday I have a new weird symptom.

So, my neurosurgeon is sending me to an MS specialist.

My question to you all...
Where do you think the MS neuro will go with this?
MRI of thoracic? Lumbar puncture? Nothing?

Also does anyone else have hyperreflexia in the legs only? If so, where are your lesions ?

All of these unknowns are just getting old..... And I'm just not myself health wise like I have been.

Thanks all!!!!!!!

[Seasha]

Welcome to MSWorld, Towsongrad! So glad you reached out to us. Sorry you are having problems and hopefully your MS specialist can further assess you and find out what is going on.

I know that hyperflexia can also be caused by spinal stenosis, but Hoffman's sign is one of the more common reflex tests given for signs of MS. It's difficult to say what an MS specialist will do. They more likely will run a series of tests, blood work, a possible LP and review your MRI report as well as your history of sx. There are so many mimics of MS and they will want to rule out other disorders to have a definitive dx for you.

I too have horrible paresthesis and fully get what you're saying and all of us understand about sx getting old and wanting answers! I truly hope you don't have MS.

Let us know how the process goes for you and stay in touch. We all are here to help!

[MSW1963]

MS Specialist will typically spend about 1.5-2hrs for the first office visit. There will be a review of your sx's, when they started to present, and complete clinical exam that alone will take about 1hr. MS doc will check reflexes, finger-to-nose, check Optic Nerve, response to light, and how your eyes scan by following doc's moving index finger, etc.

MS specialist typically will want to read your MRI films (versus reading the writen MRI report). Bring your MRI films, probably on a CD, a copy of the report, and all your medical records and test results associated with your sx's.

My guess is the neurosurgeon also did a comprehensive clinical exam, but thought I'd mention what my experience was when I was first seen by neurosurgeon, and years later by my first MS Specialist.

Best of luck.

[Towsongrad]

Thank you!!! Yep I have my CD's of my MRI's and all of my blood work ready to go. And my list of ongoing symptoms.
Oh and I do not have optic neuritis. Already went to an opthamalogist to rule it out.... Phew

[Mørphi]

Welcome to MS World Towsongrad!

As others have said, you've found a great place of caring and knowledgeable people. I hope that you get answers soon and I wish you good health and luck!