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What Are The Early Signs And Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis?

Posted on Sat, 6 May 2017

Question: Good Morning... I want to clarify my question. I was not trying to get a Dr. There to give me a diagnosis. I realize they do not know me. I only wanted to know if MS could stay in a persons body for years without being diagnosed. My question explained my interest. I believe the question would not our anyone on the spot. If there is no way I can get an answer to my medical ...let me know. Please reply. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
there is no incubation period but may be times in between with no symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Infections have a incubation period which is the time from contact or exposure to when symptoms develop. Incubation periods do not occur in all illness and there is no incubation period for ms.

Multiple sclerosis is essentially related to an attack by the immune system on the nerves.
Typically persons have a history of different symptoms occurring over a period of months or years meaning a person may have symptoms today then nothing for a few years.

Classically the symptoms include: (1) abnormal sensations such as tingling/burning/sticking/numbness etc
(2)muscle cramping
(3)abnormal function of the bladder or bowel
(4)loss of balance
(5)eye symptoms like double vision
(6)face weakness
(7)fatigue , dizziness

A person with MS may have intermittent episodes of symptoms, with time in between where they may feel fine or relatively okay.

Eg may have tingling or abnormal sensations of the hand, this resolves and the person develops symptoms of leg weakness or double vision a few months later.
Each set of symptoms should last MORE THAN 24 hours

I hope this helps , feel free to ask anything else

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 hours later)

Thank you for your reply. The reason I was asking is that my first symptomswas leg tingling, feeling numb and dizziness began in my late 50's and along with the other symptoms have been going on since. They mostly last a day or so. Is there any other way to get a diagnosis other than MRI?

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI would be needed

Detailed Answer:
HI

It is diagnosed based on symptoms along with tests as part of the normal workup .
MRI and sometimes assessment of the cerebrospinal fluid ( a tap) is needed

Tests are done to check for possible changes but also to rule out other causes of the symptoms. You may need to have these done, if they have not been done as yet- infection such as lyme disease, vitamin b12 deficiency, thyroid disease, sarcoidosis, lupus and RA all need to be ruled out by bloods.

An MRI is needed however, to see changes to the brain or spinal cord, it is an important part of the diagnostic process

There are criteria called the Mcdonald criteria are used to diagnose MS. It requires a combination of clinical information( history and examination), imaging (MRI) and other tests such as the spinal tap

Please feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)

Thank you so much for your reply. You have been very helpful. xxx

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no problem

Detailed Answer:
If I help in any other way, can let me know

Blessings

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar