Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Heaviness In Legs A Symptom Of MS?
Question: I am gradually losing use of my legs. I am now using a cane and can only go about 25 ft. before having to find a chair. the legs are heavy. I am wondering if this is the beginning of ms. I have had poly myositios in the past in my large muscles and arms later I was diagnosed with hemolic anemia.
Brief Answer:
Highly unlikely based upon information you've provided
Detailed Answer:
I'm happy to say that in my opinion as an adult neurologist with a number of MS patients I can tell you that with what you've presented as preliminary data data the chances of your having MS that is presenting for the very first time at age 71 is HIGHLY UNLIKELY. It is believed that <5% of people diagnosed with MS are over the age of 50. In fact, here's a statistic I found from the UK that I thought would help alleviate your fears a bit. For every 100,000 patients diagnosed with MS in the UNITED KINGDOM about 170 of them were age 71 which is what you are today. That translates to a percentage of 0.17%.
There are many other diagnoses for problems with muscle stamina, gait disturbances, etc. in patients of your age group which are far more likely to occur. MS has to be one of the lowest probabitlity diagnoses of everything possible coming in at 0.17%...wouldn't you agree?
I hope these answers satisfactorily addresses your question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback?
Also, if there are no other questions or comments, may I ask you CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary?
Please direct more comments or inquiries to me in the future at:
bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi
I would be honored to answer you quickly and comprehensively.
Please keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation.
The query has required a total of 32 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.
Highly unlikely based upon information you've provided
Detailed Answer:
I'm happy to say that in my opinion as an adult neurologist with a number of MS patients I can tell you that with what you've presented as preliminary data data the chances of your having MS that is presenting for the very first time at age 71 is HIGHLY UNLIKELY. It is believed that <5% of people diagnosed with MS are over the age of 50. In fact, here's a statistic I found from the UK that I thought would help alleviate your fears a bit. For every 100,000 patients diagnosed with MS in the UNITED KINGDOM about 170 of them were age 71 which is what you are today. That translates to a percentage of 0.17%.
There are many other diagnoses for problems with muscle stamina, gait disturbances, etc. in patients of your age group which are far more likely to occur. MS has to be one of the lowest probabitlity diagnoses of everything possible coming in at 0.17%...wouldn't you agree?
I hope these answers satisfactorily addresses your question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback?
Also, if there are no other questions or comments, may I ask you CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary?
Please direct more comments or inquiries to me in the future at:
bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi
I would be honored to answer you quickly and comprehensively.
Please keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation.
The query has required a total of 32 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
