10 things that get mistaken for Multiple Sclerosis
1. Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Symptoms
Numbness, weakness, balance problems, brain fog, very similar to MS.
Diagnosis
Blood tests measuring B12 and methylmalonic acid levels.
Why it is different
Caused by a vitamin shortage rather than immune attack. Symptoms improve with supplements instead of immune therapies.
2. Bulging or Herniated Disc
Symptoms
Tingling, shooting pain, weakness, difficulty walking, similar to MS spinal symptoms.
Diagnosis
Spine MRI shows discs pressing on nerves.
Why it is different
Mechanical pressure on nerves, not damage to nerve coverings as in MS.
3. Neuromyelitis Optica
Symptoms
Vision loss, paralysis, bladder problems, can be mistaken for MS.
Diagnosis
Blood test for AQP4 antibodies.
Why it is different
Targets different immune pathways. Treatments for MS can worsen NMO.
4. Fibromyalgia
Symptoms
Widespread pain, fatigue, brain fog, similar to MS pain and cognitive symptoms.
Diagnosis
By ruling out other conditions. MRI usually normal.
Why it is different
Disorder of pain processing, no immune or nerve damage.
5. Functional Neurological Disorder
Symptoms
Weakness, tremors, sensory loss, can appear like MS flare ups.
Diagnosis
Neurological exam shows inconsistencies. Imaging normal.
Why it is different
Brain miscommunication, no physical nerve damage.
6. Small Fiber Neuropathy
Symptoms
Burning pain, numbness in hands and feet, may mimic peripheral MS symptoms.
Diagnosis
Skin biopsy and autonomic nervous system tests.
Why it is different
Affects small peripheral nerves, not the central nervous system like MS.
7. Sarcoidosis
Symptoms
Fatigue, numbness, spinal issues, overlap with MS symptoms.
Diagnosis
Chest CT, ACE blood test, tissue biopsy.
Why it is different
Granuloma inflammation, not autoimmune nerve coating damage.
8. Migraine with Aura
Symptoms
Vision changes, numbness, confusion, mimics MS attacks.
Diagnosis
Clinical history. MRI may show minor brain changes.
Why it is different
Temporary electrical disruptions without immune damage. Not seen on routine blood tests.
9. Lupus
Symptoms
Brain fog, nerve symptoms, joint pain, rashes, overlap with MS.
Diagnosis
Specific autoimmune blood tests beyond standard panels.
Why it is different
Multi-organ disease, unlike MS which targets the central nervous system only.
10. Lyme Disease
Symptoms
Nerve pain, fatigue, cognitive issues, look like MS.
Diagnosis
Specialized Lyme antibody tests. Routine blood tests often miss it.
Why it is different
Tick-borne infection. Treatable with antibiotics rather than immune suppressants.
Final Word
MS is serious but not every symptom means MS.
Two matching symptoms do not make a diagnosis.
Some conditions never show up on routine blood tests.
A real diagnosis fits you, not a checklist.
Get the right tests. Know the difference. Your health depends on it.
Best of luck...
Sources
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Mayo Clinic
American Academy of Neurology
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and others
Good to know this information
BTW you can have vitamin deficiencies and MS at the same time too.