Normal MRI
Hi all,
Looking for some advice. I have had a build up of MS symptoms on and off since 2016 (tingling in legs, numb patches, Lhermitte’s sign, facial pain).
During this time, I have seen 3 different neurologists (including 2 MS specialists) and had two MRIs (brain and spine) fours years apart that have been reported as normal. The last MS specialist that I saw said that he could understand why I would be worried about MS but that something would be apparent clinically or on MRI by now.
Obviously my GP doesn’t want to send me for anymore testing as I have been seen by specialists twice now. Every time I have a ‘flare’ of these symptoms I am so worried that something has been missed.
I don’t know how to move forward at this point. Any advice from you guys that have been through similar would be gratefully received.
Thanks 😊
Have you had your MRI's while you were in the midst of major symptoms or months/years after? I really think that makes a difference. There are an increasing number of studies showing that small lesions heal themselves over time until that portion of the body is damaged too badly or too often, and I believe it. My MRI's were negative for years, but I also only got them 2-3 years after my symptoms had subsided. When I finally found a neuro to take me seriously, he sent me for one while I was in the midst of having problems, and suddenly the MRI showed not only new lesions but also older ones that had cropped up in the 4 years since I was last tested. My only advice is don't give up. If it's not MS, then it's something else, and either way you need the doctors' help. It's sadly not unusual for it to take 5-10-15 years to get a diagnosis.
Thank you. I will keep pushing the GP to re-refer me although I understand where they are coming from as it has been investigated. It’s interesting your MRIs were normal at the start because all the neurologists I have seen have said that’s impossible/incredibly rare. I always had my MRIs within two months of symptoms starting/being around.