[twanielee]

Hello,
I am new to this site, and hoping to gain some insight from individuals with similar experiences and conditions. I am 22 and have been in evaluation for MS for two years now, and my previous neurologist believed that I had MS, but refused to give a diagnosis because I didn't meet the necessary requirements for an MS diagnosis. Despite having most of the symptoms and progressive brain lesions, my spinal MRIs and optic nerves have been normal. I recently started seeing an MS specialist who has reviewed my tests and determined that my brain lesions are non specific for MS, although it is still a possibility. Anyone have MS diagnosed based solely on symptoms and non specific lesions?

[Erika]

Hi twanielee,

Welcome to NT.
I was diagnosed many years ago after developing severe optic neuritis along with some neurological signs (that I had not been aware of being present). One of those signs was a positive Babinski test where the toes splay out when the bottom of the foot is stroked.
The diagnosis was made in the late 1970s before MRIs were on the scene though.

With love, Erika

[Debbie D]

My lesions aren't in the typical area of MS lesions for the most part...but I have many symptoms associated with the disease. I have a mild case, and am no longer on a disease modifying drug. It took my legs locking to get a definite diagnosis after being told it was migraines, fibro (which I also have), etc.
It's a matter of making sure it isn't one of many other diseases, such as Lyme, that could cause the similar symptoms.

Keep a symptom journal with dates of onset and dissipation for your appointments. But try also not to allow these symptoms to run your life. It is difficult when you want an answer not to think of what is going on. But it took many of us years to get an answer. Some of us took that time obsessing about it, researching like crazy...and some attempted to live their best lives despite the various symptoms.

Keep us up to date...we're here with lots of info and support. I learned a lot from people on this site, and gotten through a lot of misery too, thanks to the hugs from friends here.

[SallyC]

Twanielee

[NurseNancy]

i havn't but i wanted to welcome you to NT.

[sham0968]

Originally Posted by Erika

Hi twanielee,

Welcome to NT.
I was diagnosed many years ago after developing severe optic neuritis along with some neurological signs (that I had not been aware of being present). One of those signs was a positive Babinski test where the toes splay out when the bottom of the foot is stroked.
The diagnosis was made in the late 1970s before MRIs were on the scene though.

With love, Erika

on the Babinski test, my toes did not move at all but when they did emg to test my nerves I passed. So do you know why my toes would not move at all. The doctor asked if I felt it. I did feel it my toes just didn't move. Now I have disk problems in my back could that be why

[Erika]

Many conditions can produce decreased reflex responses, including nerve traumas, spinal nerve compressions as well as diseases that affect motor neurons, like MS.

It is best to ask your doctor about that reflex response response, as they would be able to bring it into consideration along with other test results. As a stand alone, such a result might mean very little, while within the context of other symptoms, it could be significant.

With love, Erika

[sham0968]

Originally Posted by Erika

Many conditions can produce decreased reflex responses, including nerve traumas, spinal nerve compressions as well as diseases that affect motor neurons, like MS.

It is best to ask your doctor about that reflex response response, as they would be able to bring it into consideration along with other test results. As a stand alone, such a result might mean very little, while within the context of other symptoms, it could be significant.

With love, Erika

Thanks Erika, I seen your reply to this question and I google the test results and I remembered my doctor doing the test and my toes did nothing and she got of seemed upset until I told her yes I had feeling but both side of toes did nothing and when I google it and it said what your toes should do and I remember mine did nothing, I got a little concerned so thanks for your reply.

[ANNagain]

Welcome to NT, Twanielee.

This is a good time to clean up your diet, stop smoking if you do that, reduce weight if necessary and exercise what you can.

See you around the board!
ANN

[Snoopy]

Originally Posted by sham0968

on the Babinski test, my toes did not move at all but when they did emg to test my nerves I passed. So do you know why my toes would not move at all.

An indifferent or 'no response' Babinski reflex is not necessarily anything to worry about, but that is something your Dr. needs to determine.