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Do I need to get a second opinion?

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Multiple Sclerosis
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Posted 8/18/2006 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,
I'm new around here and would like to hear people's opinions on my symptoms. I had an MRI that showed some lesions that my nuero said didn't look exactly like MS lesions, but he was very vague and didn't rule it out. Then I had a spinal tap to check for signs of MS. Here are my results: No oligoclonal bands detected (negative), Myelin Basic Protein <2.0ug/L (negative), and a negative IgG synthesis rate, as well. All negative results and my nuero declared that I didn't have MS. However, I still have these undefined lesions and some symptoms. Here are some symptoms: positive ANA, stiff back and knees, lower back pain, eye floaters, bladder urgency, foggy thinking, some tremor of my left arm when i pull down on something, and the left side of my face went somewhat numb and tingled recently.

My main question is this: is a negative result from my spinal fluid enough to rule out MS? Or is it at least unlikely that I would have MS considering the negative spinal fluid result? Do I need a second opinion, or are MS type lesions very well defined and characteristic (i.e. - my nuero would know for sure if they were MS lesions?)?

Just as an aside, I am also being tested for Lyme, as this seems to explain some of my symptoms. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Dan
Posted 8/18/2006 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Dan,

It sounds like you are going the right route.  I'd wait to find out if the lyme test showed anything and if it's negative I would definately get a second opinion.  Have you seen a rheumatologist?  You might have lupus which can also explain some symptoms.  A negative spinal tap does not mean you don't have MS.  Also, have they checked for b12 deficiency?

 

Please keep us posted and good luck! :-)

Posted 8/18/2006 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the response! I am going to see a rheumatologist in a few days. My b12 was checked and is normal. Does a negative spinal tap make it rare to have MS still? Or is it very often negative in people that still have MS? I'm just trying to figure out why my nuero would have declared declared I didn't have MS, instead of waiting to see if things progress. It's really tough trying to pinpoint all of this stuff...
Dan
Posted 8/18/2006 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Dan,

It is not rare at all to have a negative LP and yet have MS.  That is my case and the case of just about al MSer's I know! It's good you"re going to the rhuemy, hopefully they can give you a referral to another neuro if neccessary!  MS is hard to diagnose and basically it's a road of weeding through what it isn't.  Hang in there!

Posted 8/18/2006 11:04 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Dan,

  Welcome to Healing Well :-)   A negative spinal tap doesnt necessarily mean you don't have MS, but there are certain criteria that need to be met before a diagnosis can be made.  Here's an article with the criteria that might explain things a bit better for you.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/516519?src=nldne

   It is good that you are seeking out other possibilities, there really are so many illnesses that can mimic MS and sometimes it can take a while to figure it all out so try to hang in there.  Fibromyalgia and diabetes are some other conditions you could check out too.  I do hope you start to feel better soon, let us know how things go.

Kimber

Posted 12/30/2012 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dan,

I also had a negative spinal tap six years ago but recently dignosed with MS. The neuro got really close to making my dignose of ms but failed. Now i feel i had ms all the time. I have had several things going on that leads to ms now that i think back. Bladder problems, legs aching ,very fatigue, vision problems(seeing double).

I know now the Dr. missed dignosing me six years ago. I just found out for sure i have RRMS. Found out right before Christmas. I still have not got on a regular medication, but will soon.

Best of luck !

MSMALE

 

Posted 12/31/2012 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dan, Last march i had tingling on my left side. face, leg, and arm. had a mri 13 lessions on my brain. spin and neck were clear. normal spinal tap. normal eye test. blook work was good except my b12 was low. nuro dr said i do not have ms. my regular Dr said it just hasent presented itself yet. sometimes ms is very hard to diagnose. 7 months later i had surgury, a month later blurred vision in my right eye. diagnoses. m.s. all symptoms were back. I am now on rebif for 7 weeks. Good luck and keep us posted.

Julie
Posted 12/31/2012 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dan, Last march i had tingling on my left side. face, leg, and arm. had a mri 13 lessions on my brain. spin and neck were clear. normal spinal tap. normal eye test. blook work was good except my b12 was low. nuro dr said i do not have ms. my regular Dr said it just hasent presented itself yet. sometimes ms is very hard to diagnose. 7 months later i had surgury, a month later blurred vision in my right eye. diagnoses. m.s. all symptoms were back. I am now on rebif for 7 weeks. Good luck and keep us posted.

Julie
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