some ms symptoms

[buddy2]

How do I find a good ms physician? I have recurring numbness and tingling down my legs, which started with feet pins and needles one week that radiated from legs to a numb abdomen.  I took Lyrica, but it didn't help A few months later I had positive Lehrmitte's sign I was told, so they did an MRI. When I looked that up I was scared I might have MS, but a brain MRI was negative.  I still (2 years later) have the leg numbness when I walk quickly or for more than 10 minutes or so.  I have some degenerative cervical and lumbar spine discs, (with inflammation) and have had severe pain off and on for over 5 years.  Should I pursue a possible MS evaluation? Could I be one of the 5 % without a positive MRI? Thanks

[OperaMBA]

You should get a copy of you MRI films and the reports.

It borders on comic what neurologists will call "normal".

I won't bore you with my "normal' MRI's...

Please get a copy of everything that you can.

I have learned from this forum that you need to be your own advocate.

Richard
OperaMBA

[buddy2]

I appreciate your welcome to your site.  I really thank you for input.  The numbness and  pins and needles started after a walk on Sept. 11, 2006. The numbness spread to the abdomen was 2 days later.  It scared me to death. My doctor checked for diabetes, lyme disease, low magnesium and found nothing. I did have osteporosis, now osteopenia.  Kidney stones since age 30.    The brain MRI was months later. That was my biggest concern.  My sister had a brain hemorrhage at age 39 and was comatose for 3 years.

MRI of lumbar and cervical spine showed degenerative discs, bone spurs, etc., but no mention of lesions. As I said one neurosurgeon consulted said I had inflammation of the spine from the lumbar and cervical MRIs.  Sometimes one leg bends (slips out from me, but no weakness. I'm not overweight, very flexible and strong except for limited range of motion in my neck, recurring shoulder pain (2 partial tendon tears from no particular incident.  I shy away from lifting heavy items, computer work or sitting or standing for very long.  I've discontinued all NSAID, but take ultram at times along with Lyrica, but think the Lyrica does nothing for me, really.   I get sciatica down left leg, but right leg has more limitations when I try to stretch and muscle degeneration just noticed this month (from shots? though I only had a few in my life). I did start physical therapy in 2007, but the owner thought my shoulder problem was from my cervical spine mostly, and then the Lhermitte's sign showed up, so that's when I had the Brain MRI, which was negative.  PT has never really helped.  Walking doesn't make things worse and I think it increases the blood flow to muscles.  I also get specialized massage from a physician which helps the shoulders and upper back from spasms.   Is this TMI?

Should I return to the neurologist who did the brain MRI. He is well known and should I ask for a lumbar puncture? If I ask for an MRI of the entire spine, what kind of MRI should I specify?  Do you know of any MS centers or good diagnostic neurologists in Orange County (or L.A, San Diego)?  I'm single and feel like my family(brothers) think I'm a hypochondriac so don't talk about this to them.  Thanks

[Quixotic1]

Hi, and Welcome to the forum!  Please tell me that when you had the numbness in your legs that rose to your abdomen and you had L'Hermitte's that they also did an MRI of your spinal cord!  Any lesion that would cause what you describe would have been in the spinal cord and not likely in the brain.

It sounds like  you may have had an episode of Transverse Myelitis, which is a large demyelinating lesion in the spine, although that is usually also accompanied by weakness in the legs.

It isn't clear if your work up 2 years ago was sufficienct.  Since you still have residual problems from that episode, I think seeing a good neurologist is a great idea.  I'm not sure this sounds like MS.  Have you had any new areas of problems since that one?

Quix

[Wobbly]

It sounds like you have seen a Neuro... and have they told you it's not MS?  any other ideas from the Neuro?  

how many MRI have you had...?  sometimes it take awhile for lesions to show and it matters what type of machine etc...

check out the "Health Pages" on the link top right side of this page..it will give you more information.  
a Dr can refer you to a MS Specialist... have you ask your Dr??

take care and keep us updated
wobbly
undx