Back from the MS Specialist Appt: On the Right Track

[nhmomndad89]

I just got back from my appt. with the MS specialist...well known in the NC area.  I posted earlier that I had a previous experience with a "pat ya on the head and you're just fine" neurologist and my physician, who was as unhappy with the exam as I was, scheduled me in with an MS specialist. I cannot believe the difference between the two.  

Recap:  memory problems started approximately one year ago and subsided.  Began in earnest again in March of this year. Then I had the following symptoms:  balance problems. It has continued non-stop and feels like I'm unsure of my footing and unsteady; husband says I am waddling somewhat.  First physical sign was slight numbing on the bottom of left foot and some numbing on my left index finger that went away rather quickly.  Then, a bit later I got numbness of my right foot that creeped up to my knee; unpredictable and sporadic and didn't last long.   Intermittently, I had numby-like patches on the back of my right head and left check...those have completely gone.  Symptoms would subside for a few weeks or so then come back.

Currently,  my left hand occasionally goes numb...it's more like a pulse (feels like a pulsing glove is on my hand) and occasionally my right foot up to my thigh goes numb. It's not a "deep numbing," but more of a "whoa that's weird numb."  :-)     My right hand up to my elbow will go tingly then stop.  All these symptoms don't last long.  Occasionally,  both legs get tingly from thigh to knee and that can last for awhile, then go away, then come back over days. The unsure footing/unsteadiness continues and I'm having challenges with stairs depending on the incline of them. It's not that I can't climb them or my feet drag or anything. It's more l'm unstable/ I'll lose my balance if I don't hold the rail and it takes a weird amount of effort to get my feet on each step....like I'm lurching somewhat.  I will NOT go down stairs without holding on, cause I feel like I'll fall or my legs will not support me.

So, the visit today.  My husband and I agree it was probably the best doctor visit I've ever had.  The doctor was gregarious, listened, was respectful, didn't poo-poo me or jump to any psychological symptoms (depression/anxiety). I came in with my top three symptoms ready (balance/instability, weird sensations, and cognitive issues.   He respected that I'm a mental health professional and we actually "talked shop."  I felt validated;  I know that anxiety/depression can cause a multitude of physical issues and even though I know I'm not anxious or depressed, I was wondering if everything was in my mind.  :-)

Walking: He agreed with my husband that my walking is "off," but not too much.
Eyes closed and standing:  fail.  Lost balance.
Hammer on the knees:  decreased..almost no reflex in left knee; decreased on right knee.
Vibration on my big toe:  fail.  Felt it, but thought it stopped way before it did.
Extensor Plantar Response:  positive (which is a fail).  Both big toes went up and he explained they should go down.
Brain MRI review (had an MRI in June of this year; open; non-contrast; no spinal; 3 punctate foci): he states the three lesions are not atypical and are most likely not causing my cognitive challenges.  Feels it's more likely mild cognitive impairment (agreed).
Blood Work Review:  Said my physician did a good work up and everything looks fine.

Further tests:  Sending me for a closed, contrast, MRI of the spine tomorrow.  Has also scheduled a neurocog. test, since he knows I want definitive answers regarding my abilities...we joked about how I could give the MSE, etc. to myself.  He doesn't feel, overall, that it's really something "needed"..."I can tell you're not depressed or anxious," but it will add any pieces to our puzzle  (agreed).  He's also sending me for Videonystagmography (VNG) and a Balance Evaluation.  He states that I might need a LP, but he doesn't want me to go through it before he sees the MRI.  I came right out and asked him if I had MS and he wouldn't commit...LOL.  He said that he is confident something is off and he wants the MRI results.    Opinions from anyone?   I should have asked him..based on your experience, what percentage?  LOL.  Anyway, I'm happy with the exam and where we are at this time.  

Well, that's it.  Sorry so long.  I wanted to be detailed, because I know that when I've been searching these boards it's been helpful to hear others' stories.  I'll update more after I get the MRI results.    
  

[SarahL2491]

The Babinski is where he strokes the side or bottom of your foot and your toes go down or go up and fan out.........up is + and a sign of neuro problems.  The normal person would have toes, especially the big ones, that go down.

I flunked it too!

Patience!  I know its hard but it sounds like you have found a fantastic neuro.  I waited 6 yrs after my last MRI and they figure I had it for 30 yrs before Dx last year.  I just had to find a neuro who could read an MRI........

Good luck and keep us posted!

[kwarendorf]

Sounds like a keeper. He didn't brush you off and he is gathering more info. The closed MRI with and without contrast of your c-spine is a good place to continue the search.

Kyle