Definately agree about the vertigo, its the pits! as for the large area affected, a few weeks ago i went to bed with pins and needles in my left hand and arm, in the morning i woke with my left arm and shoulder feeling as though i slept akwardly and it had gone to sleep. It did improve a bit over the next few hours in that i could move it but it felt very heavy, but i still had decreased senation to most of my hand and arm. Now, it still feels heavy at the shoulder, my hand varies from pins and needles to numbness and lack of strength particularly my thumb, index finger and middle finger- it gets worse as i am tired, i am still recovering from a series of flares so i am hoping that things improve a bit but i am still getting new minor symptoms, eg the left side of my face went tingly the other day and then gradually went numb like i have been given a shot of lidocaine- it has eased back a bit but is still decreased sensation. As for the size of the area that is affected, it seems to be like evrything else with this disease, it seems that it varies from person to person, i know of someone who had the just about the whole right side affected as if they had had a stroke and i know i have had some small areas like a small area on my foot- just depends where those plaques form i guess

Sorry to hear about the vertigo and increased numbness.

My numbness on my right side moves up (or down) when I've pushed too hard. My foot and hand are numb 24/7. Sometimes my right side torso or upper leg gets numb too if I've been too stubborn. (which happens often, LOL)

Know you are not alone. Take care of yourself, talk to your doc. Hope you feel better soon.

Sure does sound like vertigo to me and it's no fun. I agree with others, give your neuro a call. Hang in there!

The spinning would be vertigo, but the numbness is not directly related. Either way, you are having "new, or worsening of existing symptoms, lasting longer then 24 hrs", so you are likely in an attack.

I have had complete numbness (three times) basically from my chest down, but also including my hands ears, and mouth. It lasted many months, and was due to a spinal lesion attack.

Cherie

Thank you all for your responses. I changed jobs and I cant go to the Dr right now until my Insurance kicks in. So I called my neuro. He agrees it sounds like Im in another flare. So as soon as my insurance kicks in he is going to do another MRI.

I have always written off my balance issues as related to my issues with my eyes being affected. Difference being that even when my eyes are shut I am very off balance. Walking on uneven ground is always fun, I will come very close to falling very easily. Rides get me sick as a dog now.. thats usually my eyes though.


Well I thank you all yet again, I am just being careful and recognizing that I need to just take things easy and go at my own pace. Thanks again!

Sorry to hear, Donna.

It is actually VERY uncommon to experience that extensive of an attack (to that degree), . . . and that was my very first indication of MS, 17 yrs ago.
If it's any consolation, I have not done steriods or anything when in these attacks, and I seem to have healed as quickly (and completely) as those that I know of who have.

You are right; PACE and be kind to yourself.

Cherie

I have had some very weird attacks. My eyes are affected each and every time. I have had ON 3 times in the last year and a half. I have problems with my extremities, so my Neuro was positive I had devics. I only show 1 area in my brain that could be considered a lesion and my neuro feels its more Migraine related. My spinal MRIs just show inflammation.
My neuro was convinced because of how extensive the damage is to my optic nerve that I was definately going to show antibodies for devics/NMO. I dont have the antibodies.

My first documented attack almost 3 years ago, I could barely walk and my eyes were attacked. About a year ago I had my 2nd clearly documented attack. ON again and Severely abnormal VEP results showing extensive demyelination,I can no longer drive now due to visual disturbances and my vision is pretty much completely gone in my left eye, , again no conclusive MRI findings. Abnormal neuro exams,MY EMGs were abnormal, My legs and shoulder area seem to be in constant spasticity. I tend to have longer than normal flares , as per my neuro.

The last time I was in for a visit, he shocked me abit when he said.. Well while we are waiting for those " tell tale lesions " to show up, Im pretty sure you are heading down a progressive path, because you arent seeming to go into remission. My LP showed inflammation as well, no O Bands. So he has worked me up for everything under the sun.. with nothing else being found. I was misdiagnosed with Lupus as well. I have been diagnosed and undiagnosed many times ... its a fun game! Except, the game never ends.

So I know this is a new site for me, alot of people from my old site know my story. Sorry I just kinda gave a rundown of my relationship with this . My neuro has me diagnosed as " demyelinating disease of CNS, unspecified" . He told me we are going to frame my MRI when it finally shows lesions . Because of my VEP , showing severe demyelination, but my MRI not. He is very confident the lesions will show up. Amazing that we are almost looking forward to them showing up, just to say YUP Thats what it is. A weird kind of resolve. Thanks again.