I could have written this reply myself Nappy. Seriously Holly, there have been times when I didn't know if my arm numbness was caused by MS, the old rotator cuff injury or from a developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Like you, mine comes and goes which seems to rule out MS.

I don't actually know what a PCP is..... but I'm assuming it means Primary Care Provider which would translate to GP in Australia.

I too suggest he/she should be your first port of call and often as not, a bit of physio will be all it takes to improve your symptoms. If not, then they're the right person to refer you on to the appropriate specialist.

Good luck Holly. Let us know how you get on.

Sounds like a peripheral rather than central nervous system symptom, Holly. Rock will know about those but I suggest starting with your PCP.

It could be a shoulder injury or it could be a pinched nerve in your neck.

Just don't sit on it hoping it will go away. Call somebody, OK.

Now that would freakin' hurt!

The cramp/spasm you describe can be an MS thing, i think they refer to this type of spasm as clonus (not sure about that though). I get this type of intermittent spasm in my hand, any kind of activity that require a thumb and index finger type of grip ( like holding a pen or pencil) for more than a couple of minutes, will cause my hand to lock up completely. The spasm is so intense that it hurts like H*** and i just have to stop trying to use my hand so that it eventually eases off- the trouble is that for some time afterwards any attempt to use my hand at all will just instantly bing on the spasm again. I tried baclofen but it did not really help, i was told if were in different muscle groups it may be possible to have a botox shot but it would mean i lost too much dexterity if they used it for my hand. Eventually my GP suggested that i try a magnesium supplement and that has actually reduced the frequency of the spasms. My PCP did also give me some diazepam in for times when i still have severe spasms

Hope your arm feels better soon.

I agree with calling the PCP first since you've had a torn cuff in the past.

I'm one of those people that tries to make sure it's not something un-MS related when something goes on. Boy, it's been rough. What's MS and what's not? There are some things that are just on the fence for deciding that.

Holly, didn't you fall the other day? Of the bottom step or something?

Could you have landed on that arm or took the force of the fall with you arm?

Just a thought.

I do get pain in my arms. Feels like I have 50 pound weights pulling them down.

DAY

Yes, I did fall the other day, but this has been going on for a couple of months.

I will call the PCP in the morning. Thanks everyone!!

When's the last time you had that shoulder scanned? Maybe check in with the PCP and ask if you should have that done again. I know, I hate that too, but let's see what's going on in there. Then maybe a pain clinic.

Never know lil sis. You find a good pain doc, and a couple shots well put would save you months of PT.

Just another option and another free opinion.

Let us know what you do and what you hear, okay?

It's been a couple of years, but it hasn't bothered me since then, either.

UPDATE: I called this morning and I have an appt with my PCP for tomorrow afternoon. Thanks everyone!!

UPDATE:

Went to the PCP today. He's not quite sure what all is going on in there - could be tendonitis, could be a partial tear. I had an X-Ray of the shoulder and C-spine. He added the C-Spine because he thought it could be starting there. He also ordered an NCV study which I will have next Tuesday. Lastly, he ordered PT for me. I guess we will see what happens.