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How To Differentiate Between Multiple Sclerosis And Spinal Stenosis?

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Posted on Fri, 1 Jul 2016
Question: difference in symptoms of spinal stenosis and ms?
symptoms are low back pain and weakness of legs. weakness is suddenly increasing. I am a worried wife!
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Answered by Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Clinical Examination and Radiological Examination are needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas, and I am here to help you. I have read your question with care and understand that you want to know the difference between Spinal Stenosis and MS (Multiple Sclerosis)

Spinal Stenosis, is usually a disease of symptoms, predominantly pain. Here there will be severe back pain as well as pain over legs and feet. This is also called as Neural Claudication. The pain will increase when the patient bends his lower back backwards (extension). Treatment is by Surgery

Multiple Sclerosis can have
1. Weakness
2. Numbness
3. Pain
etc. Treatment is by medical management and surgery is not usually done

You cannot differentiate between MS and Spinal Stenosis with History alone without Clinical Examination and Radiological Examination. Low Back Pain and weakness of Legs can occur in both. Clinical Examination, Nerve Conduction Studies and Radiological Examination are also needed to differentiate between these conditions

I would suggest you to consult a Neurosurgeon in Person and Undergo Clinical Examination, Nerve Conduction Studies and MRI to clinch the diagnosis

Hope you found the answer helpful.

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.

-oOo-

PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback.

PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 812 Questions

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How To Differentiate Between Multiple Sclerosis And Spinal Stenosis?

Brief Answer: Clinical Examination and Radiological Examination are needed Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas, and I am here to help you. I have read your question with care and understand that you want to know the difference between Spinal Stenosis and MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Spinal Stenosis, is usually a disease of symptoms, predominantly pain. Here there will be severe back pain as well as pain over legs and feet. This is also called as Neural Claudication. The pain will increase when the patient bends his lower back backwards (extension). Treatment is by Surgery Multiple Sclerosis can have 1. Weakness 2. Numbness 3. Pain etc. Treatment is by medical management and surgery is not usually done You cannot differentiate between MS and Spinal Stenosis with History alone without Clinical Examination and Radiological Examination. Low Back Pain and weakness of Legs can occur in both. Clinical Examination, Nerve Conduction Studies and Radiological Examination are also needed to differentiate between these conditions I would suggest you to consult a Neurosurgeon in Person and Undergo Clinical Examination, Nerve Conduction Studies and MRI to clinch the diagnosis Hope you found the answer helpful. If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions. Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care. -oOo- PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback. PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno