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Posted 8/2/2010 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
I am in the USAF and passed out during combat and survival training (I was preparing to go to Afghanistan).  My other symptoms included tingling skin, metallic taste in mouth, trouble breathing and tunnel vision.  I've had these symptoms before--I had always believed it was an allergic reaction to bug bites/stings.  Apparently this time I did some convulsing a I lost control of my bowels (these two symptoms have never happened before).  I was seen by three military neurologists and they all say it was an MS episode.  I disagree but the doctors state my MRI is textbook MS (my MRI exhibits "Dawson's Fingers").  The doctors admit I do not show the normal symptoms--I am fit as a fiddle and my mind is sharp.  I do have occasional dizziness, mostly when I stand up or lie down.

Does anyone else share the symptoms above?  I have read many of the forum topics and no one seems to mention them.    Perhaps I do have a mild form of MS...but I believe the loss of consciousness, convulsions, etc. were allergic reactions.  My military career is now in jeopardy.    

Thanks for any input,

FKB 

Posted 8/3/2010 1:08 AM (GMT 0)

I also have Dawson's fingers on my brain MRIs and have been told this is a "classic" sign of MS.  I have never heard that it is related to any other illness.  However, I am curious about the metallic taste in your mouth and would recommend you research this further.  Do you frequently have an unexplained runny nose or dripping of fluid in your ear(s)?  I vaguely remember having heard that a metallic taste in the mouth could be a symptom of a fluid CSF leak, but not sure???  Maybe check out "spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak" on Wikipedia as a starting point.  Sounds like a truly frightening episode--good luck!

Posted 8/4/2010 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
I researched the CSF leak and I don't think I have that.  No issues with runny nose or fluid in my ears.  A metallic taste in the mouth has been linked to allergic reactions from red ant bites.  Although we never found any bites on me, that is still what I believe happened.  The only symptom that scares me is the loss of conciousness.  That does not seem to be a common MS symptom...but I think it is common for allergic reactions.  

In comparison to some of the symptoms I have read on this board, mine don't seem too bad.  I do worry about the "progressive" nature of MS.  I almost wish the doctors would have not told me.  I am a firm believer in the power of the mind.  Have you ever noticed how many injuries never hurt--until you recognize them?  Now that I've been told I have MS, I worry about every pain, every skin sensation, every dizzy spell...where before I never gave them a second thought.  I feel that once your brain believes you are sick, the body will almost certainly make sure you are.

Thanks for replying!

Posted 8/4/2010 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
There was a time when doctors didn't tell people they had MS because of the thought that their knowing would actually make them worse.  I don't know--it is a disease that affects your entire body in multiple ways, so it actually isn't all in your head when symptoms flare.  Take care.
Posted 1/29/2014 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I have periventricular lesions horizontal ones but not dawson fingers. I lost conciousness during my first attack. I am convinced it was ADEM or something like that as had multisymptomatic illness. I have been told I have MS but i've only had one long attack. I feel cheated as most people with MS don't go through the hell I did for my first attack. Dawson fingers can still be a sign of ADEM.
Posted 2/7/2014 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Helebon,

I have since been diagnosed with MS. I've had three more episodes since the one in 2010, one resulting in a large lesion on my brainstem. That episode happened in 2011 and I've never fully recovered. I have several symptoms--constant dizziness, full body numbness, spasticity, fatigue, and a burning sensation that goes down the right side of my face and arm. These symptoms now seem to be permanent (it's been almost 3 years and I've given up hope on a full recovery). I was medically retired from the AF shortly after the 2011 episode. Almost all of my episodes cause me to lose consciousness, although usually only for about 15 minutes or so. Even considering what I have lost and have gone through, I still consider myself fairly lucky. I've known many that are worse off than me. At least I have good insurance and money is not a huge worry for me. Best of luck to you.
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