What else could it be?

Hi!  I'm new here -- both to the board and to MS.

My symptoms, MRI, and spinal tap have all suggested that I probably have MS.  My dr. wants to wait and get one more MRI in Feb. before actually diagnosing me, but he stated that he's pretty sure that's where we're going.  My question is:  What else can inflammation in the spinal tap show?  I know what other diseases share the symptoms and I know other things that can case the lesions in the brain.  But I was actually surprised to hear that the spinal tap showed "inflammation" -- I've been feeling like a hypochondriac up until now.  Any thoughts on what else it might be (I still think it couldn't be MS...)

Thanks in advance!

Valerie

I've had symptoms going back about 4 years -- neuralgia around the trunk following a bad experience with Levaquin started it, and after that dizziness, hot patches, cold patches, tingling in arms, twitching, stabbing and shooting pains in arms and legs (a lot down the left arm, a la heart attack, which would not be unusual in my family at my age, but following three cardiac work-ups, they're sure it's not cardiac).  The MRI showed lesions in the brain (spinal cord was fine), but didn't light up the screen like an obvious case of MS might.  Evoked potentials and the one with the needles and electrodes (can't remember the name!) were both fine, but spinal tap showed "inflammation."  Some of my symptoms are fleeting, some recur every few weeks and last for days or weeks, some persist on and off for a month or so and then seem to go away.  I've kind of lost touch with what is normal sensation (everyone gets little pains here and there), so I feel like I'm being a hypochondriac, although my husband is very concerned.  That's why I was so surprised to hear the doctor say "I think we're going to end up with a diagnosis of MS," even though he wants to wait and get a follow-up MRI first.  I'm fine with being conservative -- I had such a bad experience with Levaquin that I don't want to take any medicines unnecessarily.  But I don't know what else inflammation in an MRI might show, except for cancer, which has never even been part of the discussion.

Thanks for helping!

Valerie

I am sorry that probable MS brings you here.  Hang in there.  The link I have posted has lots of good information about the diagnostic process of MS.  Please feel free to ask lots of questions and let us know how you are doing.  I am very glad that as of right now, your symptoms seem mild and fleeting.  Let's hope that they stay that way.  For some, this disease moves very slowly.  I know you are concerned about med reactions.  Take that one step at a time.  It seems as if you won't have to really consider meds until February.  Take that time to ask questions and learn as much as you can. 

Again, welcome.  We are glad you are here.

http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/diagnosingms.html