Ok, does this still sound like MS or am I crazy?

[cz1970]

I started with O.N. in 8/07. Then had 2 definite episodes of right sided weakness, parasthesia, drop foot etc that required steroid therapy. That helped alot and I was pretty much back to normal after a month. I've had 3 MRI's of the brain over 2 years and 2 C-spines all done on a 1.2T MRI machine. All of which are normal. My LP was normal too. My neuro dx me MS and started me on Copaxone 7/08. Now I'm developing muscles spasms etc on one side and started Baclofen but no more flares.

My question is this: How likely is it that this IS MS even though scans are neg. Are they negative because it's early and it's a low powered machine? Will lesions ever show up? I think I just need some reassurance I'm doing what I should be.

Thank you
cz

[jed9999]

MS is such a difficult disease--it tends to drive us crazy since it can do almost anything--and does! I was diagnosed with it in 1973 and had it a number of years before, so I have seen it in my life--and back then they didn't begin to understand it even like they do now! Therefore I especially hate to see it challenge sane people and make them doubt what they know they are feeling in their own bodies!

No matter what you feel, TRUST IT because you have experienced it---whether someone else believes you or not, tuck it in your mind and chalk it up to the MS Weird stuff. The way I always figured it (and I was very along much of the time) there are nerves all over our bodies and myelin can break down anywhere and thus cause ANYTHING--and it does, given long enough.

MS makes for weird symptoms--that's the nature of the disease--don't let it make you doubt yourself! Hang tough-believe in yourself and your ability to fight even this mentally. Many have done this and you can too-write me anytime, and good luck! Cheers! Jane in Indiana

[Dr. Daniel Kantor, MD]

The person who is best qualified to understand the factors that contribute and take awat from the diagnosis is your neurologist.

You do describe inflammatory neurologic symptoms separated both in space and in time (different parts of the central nervous system at different time points), but you have normal imaging and lumbar puncture. This does mean, that if the diagnosis is correct, you have relatively mild MS.

So, what are the risksof treatment with Copaxone? Very low and it may be "worth it" to proceed. Of course, you should always consult closely with your doctor and perhaps seek a second opinion with her help.

[charlie48]

A related discussion, Is it MS? was started.

[cz1970]

Thank you for your input. I really appreciate it :) My neuro is a great Dr and after thinking about this, he wouldn't have given me this dx if he wasn't certain so I will just keep on keeping on with tx and focus on my future instead of a neg. MRI. Thank you and I hope you have a great day!