Help of what to do next 🙌🏻

[Jackwolfed]

Hello everyone,
I'm seeking some support and advice from this wonderful group of people. For 3 months now I have been having some tingling in my left leg and numbness in toes I also have some weakness in it but it's not limiting, it just gets too tired when trying to work out and I'm always conscious of a different feel when I walk as if it's not supportive.

I had some pain in the area from the knee to the ankle when it first started for a month and it went away, the weakness and tingling stayed but I ignored it because of being busy with work thinking it would disappear but it didn't. I went to an orthopedic doctor and he requested a lumbar MRI which came back normal, so he said I'm referring you to a neurologist.

In my family history we have a member with MS so they did a brain and a cervical MRI which both came back normal according to the radiologist So they said MS is unlikely after my reflexes showed normal responses. It's been 3 months now and I've been getting this tingling or creeping sensation in my leg similar to when you get anxious but only in my leg. Also I get occasional eye pain and my left hand gets tingly to any small activity. Stretching doesn't help and having no answers by these specialists is making me too anxious and tired.

Should I seek another opinion? Are radiologists always accurate reading MRIs? Can early MS be like this and later gets more aggressive? I'm thankful in advance for any input or advice because this is taking over my life in a severe manner and causing major depression.

[KoKo]

Hello everyone,
I'm seeking some support and advice from this wonderful group of people. For 3 months now I have been having some tingling in my left leg and numbness in toes I also have some weakness in it but it's not limiting, it just gets too tired when trying to work out and I'm always conscious of a different feel when I walk as if it's not supportive.

I had some pain in the area from the knee to the ankle when it first started for a month and it went away, the weakness and tingling stayed but I ignored it because of being busy with work thinking it would disappear but it didn't. I went to an orthopedic doctor and he requested a lumbar MRI which came back normal, so he said I'm referring you to a neurologist.

In my family history we have a member with MS so they did a brain and a cervical MRI which both came back normal according to the radiologist So they said MS is unlikely after my reflexes showed normal responses. It's been 3 months now and I've been getting this tingling or creeping sensation in my leg similar to when you get anxious but only in my leg. Also I get occasional eye pain and my left hand gets tingly to any small activity. Stretching doesn't help and having no answers by these specialists is making me too anxious and tired.

Should I seek another opinion? Are radiologists always accurate reading MRIs? Can early MS be like this and later gets more aggressive? I'm thankful in advance for any input or advice because this is taking over my life in a severe manner and causing major depression.

Hi Jackwolfed

If you are still having the tingling, numbness, weakness, and eye pain issues that you mentioned, and with no explanation from the neurologist as to the cause - then yes another opinion would make sense.

The fact that this is taking over your life in a severe manner and causing major depression is more than enough reason to seek a second opinion.

If you don't mind my asking, how did your other clinical exam tests go? Your cranial nerve function, coordination and strength, nerve sensation, presence of Lhermitte's sign?

Also, what did the neurologist say about the possible cause of your symptoms?

Take Care

[SNOOPY]

they did a brain and a cervical MRI which both came back normal according to the radiologist So they said MS is unlikely after my reflexes showed normal responses.

I am assuming you have had an appointment with a Neurologist and the "they" you are referring to was the Neurologist?

The diagnostic criteria for MS relies heavily on MRI evidence. With all of your MRIs being normal and your Neurological exam/evaluation also being normal, is the reason you were told MS was unlikely.

Should I seek another opinion?

A second opinion with a Neurologist isn't going to be helpful because your Neurological exam/evaluation and MRIs have all been normal. Unless that changes MS will still be considered unlikely.

I would suggest working with your Primary Care Physician. The symptoms you are having can be due to many different things and is not exclusive to MS.

[Jackwolfed]

Thank you so much for your response. I think I should have more trust in the facts and try and not let this anxiety get to me! Specially that my symptoms are not limiting in any manner.

[Jackwolfed]

[QUOTE=KoKo;1502944]Hi JackwolfedIf you are still having the tingling, numbness, weakness, and eye pain issues that you mentioned, and with no explanation from the neurologist as to the cause - then yes another opinion would make sense. The fact that this is taking over your life in a severe manner and causing major depression is more than enough reason to seek a second opinion. If you don't mind my asking, how did your other clinical exam tests go? Your cranial nerve function, coordination and strength, nerve sensation, presence of Lhermitte's sign?The clinical exam went well, reflexes are normal and blood tests were fine. I get something similar to a chill from my leg and spine but not induced by a certain movement. Also, what did the neurologist say about the possible cause of your symptoms?I'm scheduled for a follow up to further investigate.

[Jackwolfed]

Snoopy, I apologize if you saw my post more than once. I'm new and I thought my first post didn't go through. Is there any evidence behind theories such as symptoms start showing before signs of lesions? Also, can you just have thoracic lesions? Thanks in advance.

[SNOOPY]

Is there any evidence behind theories such as symptoms start showing before signs of lesions? Also, can you just have thoracic lesions?

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the Central Nervous System(CNS) which includes the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Lesions can show up anywhere within the CNS.

It would not be unheard of to the have symptoms of MS before MRI evidence.

Damage to the spinal cord or even mechanical damage to the spine (bulging/herniated discs) is noticed upon Neurological exam. I have experience with both; I have had spinal cord involvement from the beginning and have never had a normal Neurological exam; My husband has had two back surgeries and both times and Neurological exams were not normal.

I also have some weakness in it but it's not limiting

The problem with weakness, in MS, is it is usually limiting to some degree. Exercise can be beneficial, but for some the signals don't get through correctly and weakness becomes a disability.

I get occasional eye pain

I would suggest you see an Ophthalmologist about your eye pain.

I'm scheduled for a follow up to further investigate

I'm glad to hear that. Best wishes on your follow-up.