Hi,

I have a few questions and would like to see if anyone's had a similar situation to mine. I began having double vision in February and ended up in the ER. They did blood work, an MRI w/o contrast and an exam. I was referred to a neuro-opthamologist and she felt that I might have myasthenia gravis. Well, the first MRI was normal, the blood work was normal and then I was sent for a SFEMG which was also normal. So I thought I was in the clear...well, so much for that! My double vision hasn't gone away (I'm able to see with the help of a prism on my glasses which I'm incredibly thankful for!). I was sent for a second MRI on Friday with contrast b/c she said that there are very sublte things that might not have shown up in the first MRI.

Anyway, she called me yesterday afternoon to tell me that they had discovered spots on my brain and she is concerned that I may have MS since they've pretty much ruled out myasthenia, lupus and a few other issues at this point. I'm supposed to see a regular neurologist soon and I'm pretty nervous at this point. Besides the double vision, I've had migraines (without aura) for about 10+ years and I've recently been having issues with a lot of pain in my fingers and some numbness/tingling in my hands as well. I'm not sure if this is related but it does make me nervous.

Did anyone else on here have issues with double vision at first? I'm wondering what sort of tests will be next. Sorry for the extremely long post but I'd appreciate any feedback!

Thanks,
Bets

(((Bets))) I know it is scary and it sounds as if your dr. is giving you a pretty good workup to rule out other causes. Lesions can be caused by many things including migraines and viruses. Your neurologist will be able to help identify what is causing the lesions. MS lesions have certain characteristics and "like" certain locations. Your MRI report will probably mention that or something about possible demyelinating disease. Tingling and numbness can also be caused by migraines as well. My DD19 gets migraines that cause vision trouble, vertigo, and some numbness. She doesn't get them often but when she does, she's down for a day or two.

As for the double vision, I have not experienced that. I mostly get blurred and/or "jumpy" vision. However, many MSers have and I am sure someone will come along on here and respond regarding the double vision. For a lot of MSers, double vision, blurry vision, and/or vision loss were their presenting symptoms, eventually leading to their diagnosis.

Sometimes it takes a bit to get a dx. Doctors generally don't jump to the MS conclusion until other things have been ruled out. In the meantime, try to relax, come on here often, and please let us know how you are doing.

I have double vision, and have for about a year now. I know that's not what you wanted to hear. What got me to a diagnosis was eye pain and dark spots in my vision.

Your doctor sounds like he/she is being very careful to check all options. That's great, at least you have a doctor who is listening, they can be hard to find.

I know relaxing is hard to do right now, but stressing will only make things worse. Please try not to stress too much and come here for any questions or needing to vent! The people here are great!

Sorry, wanted to say more but can't remember what it was. I hope you get your answers soon!

Kristie

Hi Bets and welcome to NeuroTalk.

Your experience is almost identical to mine. I was diagnosed back in 2005. I experienced double vision and was sent to a neuro opthamologist. They, in turn, referred me to an MS neurologist who did several tests (for MG, Lupus and Lyme) and then diagnosed me with MS.

This wasn't my first MS episode but it was the first one that got my attention enough to have it checked out. It's kinda hard to ignore double vision! My previous episode was two years earlier and that was numbness in both legs and feet. That lasted about 2 months. I just figured it was a pinched nerve since it went away.

The double vision lasted about 6 months and finally resolved itself. I have not had that particular symptom again. I have, however, had Optic Neuritis. Your eye pain could be from that. Your Neuro should be able to address that.

To be honest with you I never suspected MS when my double vision first happened. I did alot of Internet research and got myself all worked up thinking I had a brain tumor. Sometimes too much knowledge is dangerous! So, when the Neuro said MS I was strangely relieved.

I have numbness and tingling in my hands but my right hand has been affected since my episode of double vision. I've slowly gotten some function back in it but at the beginning it was very numb and pretty useless to me. I guess I've learned to compensate so I really don't notice it as much as I used to.

I know it's hard not to but try not to worry too much. I'm glad you're here and think you'll receive lots of support and good advice from our members. We've all been where you are right now and know how difficult it is. Hang in there. You will be okay and you will get through this.

Welcome Bets, nice to meet you.
It sounds like it could be MS, but there are worse things. It can take awile to get a DX, like everyone says, there are lots of Mimic illnesses that must be eliminated.

I was DXed in 1976, after having an, "I can't walk", episode. I did have case of double vision/ON, sometime after being DXed. Many do start their MS journey with Optic Neuritis, with a DX from their Opthomoligist.

I'm surprised your Optho didn't suspected MS.

It's great to have you with us here..

I've had double vision since my teens. I was quickly diagnosed with MS when I turned 31. Double vision would happen when waking. It hasn't gotten worse over the years, in fact, it has improved.

When I'm tired, stress or overheated it worsens. Double vision is what has kept me from driving. I couldn't tell the overlap between the actual lane.

Take care.