I don't post often but I really enjoy reading everyone's posts and insight to not only MS but life in general! ?So what better place to come for info than here???

I have been on Avonex going on 3 years with little or no progression to speak of... but in the last few weeks I have been have dizzy spells. They come out of nowhere and last only 10-20 seconds. It's almost like I'm uncoordinated all of a sudden. My question is should I call my neuro and ask for an MRI since I've not had one in 3 years. Maybe the Avonex isn't working anymore...?? Or do I chalk it up to this crazy disease we live with??

Thanks for your input!
Angie

I had vertigo that would hit me like that back in 2007.

It felt like it came up my left side, would swirl around my head to the right and make me want to fall down. Felt like a wave sweeping over me.

I had oral steroids (yuck! Oral pred tastes nasty!) and that particular type of vertigo has only come back once and that was earlier this summer at the start of my vision problems that I just had IV steroids for.

Does it happen when you look in a certain direction, or when you're reading? maybe it could be visually induced?? (I think mine was caused by some sort of vision problem when looking to the side...but that's just because I was usually reading when it happened)

Hi Angie, someone will come along to give you advice~everyone is so smart and helpful here. I just wanted to say "hi" and say that I am sorry you are having new challenges. BTW, your username is intriguing!

Hi, Angie.

The last MRI, for MS, I had was in 2005 but I don't take a DMD. If I did take one of the DMDs my neuro would have me in the tube yearly.

You probably should call your neuro and see what s/he wants to do.

I don't get an MRI regularly since diagnosis. I only get them if my neuro suspects a bad flare and considering treating with steroids. Half the time I can't tell if it is MS or just getting older and all the minor aches and pains that go along with it.

Hi Angie,
I only had a few MRI's. One set before Avonex for ins approval of drug (but blood work every three months while on it one year.) My liver did not tolerate "A", nor did I. He switched me to Copaxone, no MRI. 4 relapses a year still. Lots of oral steroids over the years prior and in combo with all the DMD's.

Four 1/2 years later a full set of MRI's again with ins change and new Neuro. Some progression, new Neuro stopped "C" after 3 1/2 years on it. I was still badly relapsing on the DMD's. Did 10 days of 1000 mg IVSM.

No DMD's in the next two years, I was not being helped by them. Ins changed again, new Neuro gave me a brain and c-spine MRI in 2007.

New ins again, and new Neuro has not sent me for MRI because I am doing so well on the LDN. That's my story, I hope it answers your question.

I find that when you switch Neuro's they tend to order their own MRI's. For their records?? My new one doesn't believe in them too often. She goes by her exams on me. I think they can tell that way.

Edited to add:
I re-read your question Angie. When in doubt, always call the doctor. He should be told about any new symptoms or old problems you are having. He will decide if you need another MRI, or you could ask for one.

I think I've had one nearly every year since 2002.
Get your docs fax number and when you have something strange pop up....fax him/her with the details and let the doc decide if you should go in.

This is what works best for me. Also I have had many odd things happen...then disappear and they are just a part of the disease. My doc said it has something to do with lesions that act up without causing major symptoms.
I have a head full of lesions but minimal disability. But once in a while one of those lesions decides to pick on me.

I did have an annual MRI, that has now moved to every 2 years. But I would let your neuro know.

I get one twice a year but only because it's required because I'm taking Tysabri. I only had them before if I was having symptoms of a relapse.

My MS MD said that the normal course at MY clinic is. ...

one every six months for the first year, then once a year for 5 years, and if no sx or problems remain they only ask for once every 3 years.

Since I have a glioma I get scanned every six months. I had to be different.

If you are having issues, they may wish to see if your disease has progressed. They can tell if you have new lesions, and if they are active.