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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Posts >> Is there a test to say for Damn sure if one has MS
        
(Message started by: athos on Jul 19^th, 2004, 3:54am)

Title: Is there a test to say for Damn sure if one has MS
Post by athos on Jul 19^th, 2004, 3:54am

Is there a test to say for Damn sure if one has MS?

This will be the third episode of these symptoms or groups of similar symtoms, some of them the same sometimes different, that I have had in 4 years.

I know that there are tests out there..
Multiple Sclerosis is essentially a clinically determined diagnosis of exclusion. There are NO tests which are specific for MS, and NO single test is 100% conclusive. Conventional MRIs only image some lesions (Macroscopic ones), which are NonSpecific as to cause and do NOT fully account for MS.

MRI
Conventional MRIs only image some lesions (Macroscopic ones), which are NonSpecific as to cause and do NOT fully account for MS.

Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
A Spinal Tap, does require you to lay flat for a number of hours after the test (many experience very painful headaches when standing or sitting). You may require an overnight stay in a hospital, subsequently, a short period of recuperation may be required. This test may indicate MS but is NOT in itself conclusive.

Evoked Potential Tests (EVPs)
When DeMyelination or Sclerosis (scarring) occurs, the Conduction of messages along the Nerves (Axons) is slowed or interrupted. Evoked Potentials measure the time required by the Brain, to receive and process nerve messages (Nerve Conduction Velocity).

????????

Title: Re: Is there a test to say for Damn sure if one ha
Post by JJA on Jul 19^th, 2004, 11:32am

I think you answered your own question. There isn't a definitive test. I think with those tests, if you see a positive then they know you have it, if it's negative, wait and see. That's the worst part, you have to wait for years sometimes.

Also, someone brought up ALS in your other post. Your numbness, remissions and congnitive symptoms definitely don't fit with that, thank god.

Hopefully it's just some effects of your medications. I recently went through an MS scare so I can relate to the anxiety you must have.

-Jesse

Title: Re: Is there a test to say for Damn sure if one ha
Post by Carl_D on Jul 19^th, 2004, 4:04pm

I'm right there with you Ken. The tests are really hit and miss during early onset when the symptoms are first displaying. A dead give away that it is MS is when they find lesions in the Myleathen sheath covering the nerves, which cause deterioration and exposure of nerves. From what I understand, that is usually more prevalant in the latter stages of the disease.
Cathi, KOP and I were talking in Nashville about what I have been going through with the MS and Fibromyalgia, and when Cathi mentioned the fact that you also was experiencing pain through-out your entire body, I wondered how much you know about Fibromyalgia, and if maybe it somehow related to your situation. You might want to check into it and discuss it with your doc, but definitely get the tests for MS, and I'll be praying for you that you find some relief very soon. Hang tough Ken.

Peace,
Carl D

Title: Re: Is there a test to say for Damn sure if one ha
Post by athos on Jul 19^th, 2004, 4:07pm

thanks....

I am a little nervous, scared, and frusterated...

Most of all PISSED!!!! Damn I had enough... Isn't chronic CH enough for one person to deal with this other schit...

Title: Re: Is there a test to say for Damn sure if one ha
Post by Prense on Jul 19^th, 2004, 4:09pm

A good friend of mine was diagnosed with MS from a spinal tap along with his symptoms. Unfortunately, he is almost certain that the diagnosis is correct because the medication he takes does prevent the attacks. He has to have an injection once a week currently. There is supposedly a new treatment available, but it requires multiple (I think 2) injections per week. Something like that.

Chris

Title: Re: Is there a test to say for Damn sure if one ha
Post by athos on Jul 19^th, 2004, 9:43pm

Well I am getting an MRI of the Brain on Friday
I hope

I go to the surgeon on the 29th if I can get there.