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Am I At Risk Of Developing/having MS?
Question: Am I at risk of developing/having MS?
- Two years ago I lost partial vision to my left eye suddenly. I went to my GP and had an MRI done. It came out clear. I was referred to a neuro opthalmologist. I was asked to get another MRI with resonance and it came out clear as well. The doctor told me I should be well within a few weeks and I was much better, and regained my vision.
-About two weeks ago, I started feeling some muscle spasms, and some pain in my right leg then left, and then my hands.
-I went to get some blood work done for STDS last week, the phlebotomist was struggling getting blood from my right veins, and it left quite a mark on my arm. The next morning it was purple. I had developed tingly and numb sensation on my middle and index finger. I comes and goes now and its worrying to me more because it is common with MS and nerve damage.
-I have a neurologist appointment next month, but I am quite nervous of my risk factors and I spend too much time googling.
Other facts about me:
- I have severe dry skin
- I gained about 12 lbs this year without changed to my diet.
- Brittle nails
- I also have been diagnosed with OCD, and the past few weeks my anxiety has sky rocketed due to family issues.
-About two weeks ago, I started feeling some muscle spasms, and some pain in my right leg then left, and then my hands.
-I went to get some blood work done for STDS last week, the phlebotomist was struggling getting blood from my right veins, and it left quite a mark on my arm. The next morning it was purple. I had developed tingly and numb sensation on my middle and index finger. I comes and goes now and its worrying to me more because it is common with MS and nerve damage.
-I have a neurologist appointment next month, but I am quite nervous of my risk factors and I spend too much time googling.
Other facts about me:
- I have severe dry skin
- I gained about 12 lbs this year without changed to my diet.
- Brittle nails
- I also have been diagnosed with OCD, and the past few weeks my anxiety has sky rocketed due to family issues.
Brief Answer:
I don't think yours is a case of MS.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.
I have read your query.
Your symptoms may be explained by your stress issues, there is no reason to think continuously for multiple sclerosis.
Besides stress, any deficiency such as low vitamin B12 levels in blood for example, may cause such symptoms.
The exclusion of the MS is supported also by the negative MRI results.
So, in my opinion, treating the stress disorder issues should result in improvement of your symptoms also.
Besides the evaluation from the Neurologist, seeing a Psychologist also should be considered.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
I don't think yours is a case of MS.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.
I have read your query.
Your symptoms may be explained by your stress issues, there is no reason to think continuously for multiple sclerosis.
Besides stress, any deficiency such as low vitamin B12 levels in blood for example, may cause such symptoms.
The exclusion of the MS is supported also by the negative MRI results.
So, in my opinion, treating the stress disorder issues should result in improvement of your symptoms also.
Besides the evaluation from the Neurologist, seeing a Psychologist also should be considered.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I forgot to mention that the doctor diagnosed my eye issue to be optic neuritis and my GP said the chances of getting MS are higher. This is why I was worried. What could the numbing be caused by?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
The optic neuritis was two years ago, and not always is associated with MS.
Localized numbness ( in your case located at two fingers ) may indicate a compressed nerve such as in the carpal tunnel syndrome for example.
There are other conditions ( as we discussed previously ) besides MS that may justify your symptoms.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
The optic neuritis was two years ago, and not always is associated with MS.
Localized numbness ( in your case located at two fingers ) may indicate a compressed nerve such as in the carpal tunnel syndrome for example.
There are other conditions ( as we discussed previously ) besides MS that may justify your symptoms.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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