QUIX or anyone who may have had the "Hot Tub Test"

[cz1970]

Hello there....

I just saw my PCP because my voice tremors are so bad now etc.  He suspects MS too but neuro says no cuz MRI/LP were neg.  My PCP wants me have the hot tub test done since I have Utohfs sign etc.  He said it's the old fashion way of checking and it's pretty accurate.  He first wants to give the neuro the opportunity to order it first. If he doesn't, my PCP will, then also send me for a second opinion after the results..... What do you think?  Is it dangerous?  I get really REALLY weak, nauseated and loose my vision when I get hot.  I know symptoms resolve when you cool off.

What does the test involve?

Thanks!
cz

[cz1970]

Thank you SO MUCH for your insite on the vocal issues.  I decided today that I dont want to pursue the heat intollerance issue etc.  Perhaps I'll call the ENT back and make a follow up appt with him to see whats going on. He did the mirror test on me.  What do they do if it's one sided weakness?  Now I'm really curious cuz all my neuro symptoms are one sided too.... Hmmm

cz

[AMO]

hi cz,

I think   the   'hot  tub test'  while could show a problem, i am not sure it would be specifically diagnositic of MS. There  are other illnes that the heat effects too.

And something about the spasmatic dysphonia, my speech and voice are greatly effected. A cople of my docotrs thought it was spasmatic dysphonia , but when i had the direct lyarnoscopy ( with a camera not just the indirect one where they use a mirror) it proved to be "maore weakness on one side, than spasim on the other".
I guess what i am getting at   is it isn't always what it sounds like and throughough testing might be a goood idea if you hadn't yet.

The is treatment for spasmatic dysphonia, botox to the vocal fold. BUT if it is not dx'd correctly and you actually have weakness, (and to be csure they woould need to do the scope), the botox would not be good.

(hope this made sence) and maybe of some help.
i truely understanadd the difficluty when your communication is effected.
be well, amo

[cz1970]

So it's kinda sounding like this would be a last ditch effort for diagnosis then. I'll bet the neuro wont ok it by the way it sounds. Thanks Quix for the background. Since my voice is here to stay (I sound like a DORK!). I guess I'll just wait and see on the rest.  I dont want another MRI for a while. Maybe in a year. I HATE THIS!!

cz

[Quixotic1]

The Hot Bath Test fell into disfavor when a patient developed paralysis after it and never recovered.  So, the vast majority of the time, the symptoms resolve when the core temp cools.  But, it can bring on a full-fledged relapse (documented) and can - apparently - cause irreversible harm.  Sounds like this last one is rare, but...

Right after my diagnosis, I noticed that I had a new symptom (tingling in my right foot) after a hot shower and wondered if that was going to be my next new symptom with my next relapse (it was).  I asked my neuro about this and he was adamant that my days of hot showers were OVER - no "ifs" "ands" or "buts!"  He was almost angry.  I think he thought I should have known this already.  Right, like I got the manual....

Quix

[IUMOM2]

I have heard about the hot tub test, but I didn't know they still used it. Basically, you are immersed in a tub of hot water if MS type symptoms develop it's a positive test. I cannot take a hot bath or I become very weak and tingly.

I would think you would need other tests to be positive before you receive a definite dx of MS.

Good luck!

[cz1970]

The ENT said it's dysphonia. I read about tremors etc and my voice thing is more along the lines of Spastic dysphonia than essential voice tremor. I can make it stop when I sing etc and I dont have any other tremor. It might not be related at all but what sucks is there apparantly isn't any treatment for it either.  Im just really curious about the hot tub test. He said its in 102 degree water.  Sounds nice but scary too.
cz

[essdipity]

Hi. I can't help you about the hot tub test. In fact, I've never heard of it. But I did want to comment about your voice tremors. Have they ruled out essential tremor or other such conditions?  My neuro says I have a slight voice tremor, but that it has nothing to do with MS. It supposedly is part of essential tremor, just an additional neurological condition I have. That does make sense for me, since I've had hand tremors since I was 20, but certainly not MS all those years.

Best of luck,
ess