Is Itching a MS symptom?
 

I've read online that itching can be a sign of MS but on other sites it doesn't list itching as a symptom.

My main symptoms are:

Random body itching (usually lasts 1 hour or so) when I do scratch the itch, it seems to go away
Some muscle twitching in calf area
Random body nerve zaps that come and go
Some minor tingling in left finger and left forehead area

My B12 level was 850+

Hi Koi13,

Itching might be a symptom of MS but the itching someone with MS has is different than regular itching. Some people will scratch until they bleed without finding relief from the itch.

Itching caused by MS is neuropathic and needs to be treated differently.

Information about itching in MS:

http://ms.about.com/od/signssymptoms...-Sclerosis.htm

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/abo...ing/index.aspx

I have this on my back and on my right leg. It can be very annoying because nothing seems to help it. Mine seems to get worse at night but maybe I just notice it more then because I'm trying to sleep.

Kitty,

I have the same spot on my left leg which will itch off and on and I have itched it, sometimes, till it bleeds.

Snoopy, sometimes I'll scratch an entirely different area on my leg (that doesn't itch) and it relieves the area that feels itchy. :confused: I don't understand it but as long as it helps I keep doing it! :cool:

I found that if i put vaseline on the itching spot after showering, I don't itch. It may not work for you but it may be worth a try. Hope you feel better. I also itch from Copaxone and it's the worst!!!

I now understand. MS itching is an itch that when scratched DOES NOT go away. With my itching, when I scratch, the itch in that area goes away. I will document an episode when it happens again and see if my itching resembles MS itching but as of now, I don't think it does.

Are random nerve zaps or stings (1-2 seconds) a MS symptom? That was another symptom that did not show up as being a typical MS symptom.

This is no fun ...that's for sure.
 

Does Benedryl Gel, work, as a topical ointment, for you? What did your neurologist say, about this, or the nurse?

Hi Friend2U, Welcome home.:):hug:

Sally...
 

Thank you Sally! It's nice to be back!:):hug:

Neuro initially does not think its MS as I dont have any vision, balance, muscle weakness or similar problems. Its mainly the random nerve zaps and itching (which when scratched goes away). The occasional muscle twitches in the calfs. I am hoping and praying that its some weird allergy or mineral defficiency.

Can thyroid cause symptoms like this?

Supposed to get a EMG test and then a brain and spine MRI.

I did notice my itchiness and zaps tend to increase when I am sitting in a hot bath or when outside in the direct sun.

So would the above symptoms be a typical MS symptom since heat exacerbates the itch and nerve zaps??? :(

I get the sensation that I have an itch but I don't think its a true itch like one would experience with a bug bite or poison ivy. I do think it's a sensory thing.

I get zaps in my legs and sometimes the itching is in the same place as the zap but not always. Ice on the area seems to help it. I have no idea why.

Have you had your thyroid checked? Did you have your B12 checked?

Many conditions can be exacerbated by heat, not just MS. People with neuropathy, such as a diabetic patient, people with essential tremors, and lupus to name a few.

Thought this might be helpful to you. In addition, this site is fantastic with loads of info.

http://www.my-ms.org/symptoms_sensory.htm

"Pruritis (itching) may occur as a symptom of MS. It's one of the family of abnormal sensations such as "pins and needles" and burning, stabbing, or tearing pains which may be experienced by those with MS. These sensations are known as dysesthesias, and they are neurologic in origin.

This is different from allergic itching in that dysesthetic itching may occur suddenly and intensely, but for brief periods. It may be present over any part of the body or face. It's different from the generalized itching that can accompany an allergic reaction, as there is no external skin rash or irritation at the site of itching. Corticosteroid ointments applied to the skin are not helpful in relieving this type of itch.

There are several medications that are usually successful in treating dysesthetic itching. Among them are: anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, diphenylhydantoin, and gabapentin; antidepressants such as amitriptyline and the MAO inhibitors; and antihistamines."

I'd itch every night very badly if I did not take the generic form of Zyrtec anti-histimine. When I had only an MS diagnosis I did not itch like this. I didn't start itching until I got polycythemia vera, which is known for itching. But I have worse peripheral neuropathy than I did years ago too. Burning tingling of the legs and feet, and those intense zaps as well. But those things don't seem to be same as the itching. The itching is really intense without Zyrtec. I am grateful my pcp's assistant found me an anti-histimine I can take. Benadryl makes me a zombie, so I thought there was nothing I could take. Could not take Celexa or anything other than Zyrtec.

Question --

I haven't been diagnosed with MS proper, but I came to this thread due to the itching I've had lately. (I have a couple of other issues, but not MS - ET, migraines, total removal of thyroid due to hashimoto's...)

I know it's a hard thing to describe, but I'm curious about the type of itching and the "zaps" I keep reading about. My itching tends to be worse at night. It will come on in one spot (around my body, mostly trunk/legs) so suddenly that the sheer thought of not scratching makes me cry. I sometimes scratch until I bleed (especially last night).

I do take benedryl and use some kind of cortizone cream, but I don't really want to live on that sort of thing?

So is this MS-esque? I'm just wondering because it's bugging the crap out of me.

Thanks!

My zaps and itching are different. The zap is like something stung me and goes away after a second. The itching is sporadic and when scratched immediately goes away. It seems that heat brings on the zaps and itching.

I have not been diagnosed with MS or anything as of yet.

I do get the calf muscle or nerve twitching which comes and go. I notice some light tingling in my hand when typing.

Trying to stay positive until I get my diagnosis.:hug:

I most def have tingling all down my left side-hand, leg, arm. I wonder if I have some "zaps" as well, but didn't have the vocabulary to describe it.

Thanks for your help--I have a neuro appointment on Thursday, we'll see how it goes.

Good luck.

Welcome wingsscrub. Let us know how it goes at your appointment.:hug: