Do these symptoms sound familiar?
 

As part of a research study, I was tested for Alzheimer's. I failed and the neurologist recommended further cognitive testing. I was seen by a neurologist two weeks ago. He said there were four areas of concern. My poor balance, my unsteady gait (he mentioned that it was scissoring), my reported memory issues, (forgetting what I was discussing, mixing up the gas and brake pedals, losing just about everything, etc.) and dysautonomia (previously diagnosed with POTS).

I stumble and lose my balance fairly frequently. I occasionally stagger for no reason. Embarrassing because I'm afraid people think I'm drunk. Friends and family have commented on my memory lapses- a lot. When my BP drops upon standing it can go down to the low 70's. This causes me to drop to the ground and remain "foggy" for a few minutes.

We started with extensive blood tests. The only result that I know is an abnormal kidney function reading. Sunday, I will have a MRI and in Dec., a Tilt Table Test is scheduled.

I am so scared that it's MS or Alzheimers. When I think about it, my legs actually start shaking. If you have any suggestions or info to share, I would love it.

Hello suzieb and welcome to NeuroTalk.

First I'd ask if you had your Vitamin B12 levels checked? The symptoms for that condition often mimic those of MS. You can read about it here :http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ht=Vitamin+B12

I agree that your symptoms sound similar to MS, but they also fit so many other conditions..... many less worrying.

Some of them include ...fibromyalgia and vitamin B12 deficiency, muscular dystrophy (MD), migraine, hypo-thyroidism, hypertension, Beçhets, Arnold-Chiari deformity, and mitochondrial disorders...... http://www.msfocus.org/article-detai...x?articleID=18

I'd suggest asking to get your Vitamin B12 checked while you wait for your MRI which will be all important in getting a diagnosis of some kind. As for the Alzheimers, as hard as it will be - I'd try not to worry about it until after the MRI because forgetfulness could be a symptom of several neurological conditions, and hopefully the MRI will sort those out.

Even though you may not have MS, why don't you make yourself known to our members there. It might be nice for you to get some support while you wait for the MRI. Here's the link :

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum17.html

Thanks Koala. That was a great article you recommended. I believe my B12 was checked so unfortunately it's not that. While I wait for Sunday's MRI, I'll cope in my usual manner; eat lots of chocolate, read lots of junky books and play Candy Crush. I was a librarian so I have been known to overdue it on the research. Well, if that's even possible!