Can a doctor's initial MS diagnosis be wrong?
Sutherland has a long list of examples of patients he's seen whose initial MS diagnosis from a primary care doctor was wrong. There was the young woman who'd been backpacking along the northeastern Appalachian Trail, and came home and developed severe fatigue and weakness in her arm.
What should I know about multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease that affects each person differently. Adjusting to your new and ever-changing situation may be easier if you have an idea of what to expect. It’s important to face your diagnosis head-on and learn as much as you can about the disease and the symptoms.
Who should I see about my Ms?
You’ll probably see some health professionals who specialise in MS, like an MS nurse, and possibly some who specialise in a particular treatment, such as a physiotherapy. You should see your neurologist for an annual review and your GP may be involved in some of your MS care, as well as looking after your general health.
When can I Meet my MS nurse after diagnosis?
You might meet your MS nurse immediately after diagnosis, but it’s more usual to have to wait several weeks. How active your MS is at the moment. You might want to look at symptomatic treatments or whether disease modifying drugs (DMDs) that aim to alter the course of your MS are an option. What else is going on in your life at the moment.
Is starting treatment for MS important?
Why is early treatment important in MS? We know early treatment improves long-term health and wellbeing by slowing down the build up of irreversible damage and reducing the number of relapses people experience. Starting MS treatment early is best but if you start later it can also have some benefits.
How often does MS get misdiagnosed?
The misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a problem with significant consequences for patients as well as the healthcare system. There are nearly 1 million people in the United States living with the disease. And researchers now say nearly 20 percent of them are misdiagnosed.
Can multiple sclerosis be stopped from progressing?
By finding treatments that prevent nerve loss, we could slow or stop the progression of MS. We're excited because clinical trials of potential treatments are already underway. This includes the MS-STAT2 trial which is testing if simvastatin can slow progression in secondary progressive MS.
Can MS be misdiagnosed for years?
A multicenter case series consisting of patients who had been incorrectly diagnosed with MS11 revealed that over 50% carried the misdiagnosis for at least 3 years, and more than 5% were misdiagnosed for over 20 years. In this study, 31% incurred unnecessary morbidity as a direct result of misdiagnosis.
What happens if you are misdiagnosed with MS?
MS misdiagnosis may increase morbidity as a result of psychological damage, risk associated with DMTs and corticosteroids use, inadequate treatment (2, 3), worsening of underlying disease such as in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs; (11), or delay in treatment of other potentially curable pathologies.
What other conditions can be mistaken for MS?
Conditions That Can Seem Like MSEpstein-Barr Virus.Vitamin B12 Deficiency.Diabetes.Nerve Damage.Eye Problems.Stroke.Lupus and Other Autoimmune Diseases.Parkinson's Disease.More items...•
Can MS remain mild?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild.
Can MS go into remission forever?
A remission can last for weeks, months, or, in some cases, years. But remission doesn't mean you no longer have MS. MS medications can help reduce the chances of developing new symptoms, but you still have MS. Symptoms will likely return at some point.
Do MS lesions go away?
Can Lesions Heal Once They Appear? “Absolutely,” says Dr. Hua. “It's not specific to MS, but in any process where there's some sort of brain injury, there will always be healing, as well.
Can you have MS and it not show up on an MRI?
MRI is considered the best test to help diagnose MS. However, 5% of people with MS do not have abnormalities detected on MRI; thus, a "negative" scan does not completely rule out MS. In addition, some common changes of aging may look like MS on a MRI. To track the progress of disease.
How many lesions is alot for MS?
According to the team, patients with a combination of more than 13 lesions, with a maximal lesion diameter greater than 0.75 cm, and lesions perpendicular to the corpus callosum, had a 19 times greater chance of progressing to MS during the following year.
How long does it take MS to progress?
In many patients, over a span of 5 to 15 years, the attacks begin more indolently, persist more chronically and remit less completely, gradually transforming into a pattern of steady deterioration rather than episodic flares. This pattern is referred to as secondary progressive MS.
How do you know if you have MS?
Common symptoms include: fatigue. numbness and tingling. weakness. dizziness.
What is the first stage of MS?
Early stages of MS. The first stage to consider occurs before your doctor has made a diagnosis of MS. In this initial stage, you may have symptoms that you’re concerned about. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in who gets MS.
What is the progression of multiple sclerosis?
By understanding the typical progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) and learning what to expect, you can gain a sense of control and make more informed decisions about your day-to-day life. MS occurs when the body’s immune system abnormally targets the central nervous system (CNS). The attack on the CNS damages the myelin and the nerve fibers ...
What happens when MS attacks the CNS?
The attack on the CNS damages the myelin and the nerve fibers that the myelin protects. The damage disrupts or distorts the nerve impulses being sent down the spinal cord. People with MS generally follow one of four disease courses that vary in severity.
What is the best treatment for MS?
Over-the-counter treatments include: pain relievers, like aspirin or ibuprofen. stool softeners and laxatives, for infrequent use. While there are not many medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat pediatric MS, medications used to treat adult MS have been studied in children.
How many people with MS walk?
For some people with MS, their condition will never get to the advanced stage. According to the NMSS, about 2 in 3 people with MS will retain the ability to walk throughout their lives.
How long does it take for MS to progress?
Some of those with the relapsing-remitting form of the condition will go on to develop secondary-progressive MS. This generally happens within 10 years of the first diagnosis.
How old was Rick Sommers when he was diagnosed with MS?
New Yorker Rick Sommers, 56, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) when he was 34, though he thinks he probably had the condition for 10 years before that. At the time, doctors could offer only one drug for treating MS.
Can MS patients take medication?
Many people with MS say no to medication, and "the reasons vary considerably from person to person,” says Nicholas LaRocca, PhD, vice president of health care delivery and policy research at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).
Can MS patients be treated?
Multiple sclerosis drugs have been proven to reduce relapses. But some with MS still say no to treatment. Most doctors recommend starting an MS medication at the time of diagnosis, but some people with MS choose not to. Getty Images.
How to treat MS?
Many MS treatments are given intravenously, subcutaneously, or intramuscularly—in other words, through a needle inserted into a vein, fat tissue, or muscle. It's the most efficient way to get the medication into the body where it can start doing good. Whether needles really don't bother you or you're terrified of them, having a sharp object inserted into your skin probably isn't your idea of a good time. 1 (By the way, there's a name for a severe fear of needles: trypanophobia .) Ask your doctor or someone else who has had similar treatments for tips on dealing with needle negativity. It may be that simply having a friend along to distract you or learning a basic self-hypnosis technique will be enough to get you past your fear. It's also important to note that there are currently six oral therapeutic options to treat MS that can be considered.
What is the best treatment for multiple sclerosis?
Relapse Management . The most effective treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly the relapsing-remitting types, are disease-modifying medications. That's because these drugs can actually slow down the progression of MS and reduce the number of relapses a person experiences.
Do needles bother you?
Whether needles really don't bother you or you're terrified of them, having a sharp object inserted into your skin probably isn't your idea of a good time. 1 (By the way, there's a name for a severe fear of needles: trypanophobia .)
Is MS treatment safe?
New treatments for MS are being developed and studies are underway all the time, but it's important to understand that it takes a long time for any medication to become available to patients. It has to be proven safe, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, made in enough quantities to be distributed, and included for coverage by insurance. So while it's a good idea to stay on top of MS research, it could be to your disadvantage to wait around for a new drug. Remember, the sooner you begin treatment for MS, the more effective it will be. 2
Is MS an expensive illness?
There's no doubt about it: MS is an expensive illness to have, and the economic burden can sometimes be just as draining as the physical and mental toll. 1 If money for your MS meds is an issue, know that there are resources to help you pay for treatment.
Can you take a cool compress with MS?
A cool compress can combat these symptoms. When you first start taking certain MS medications, you may feel a bit like you're coming down with the flu. 1 This is common and yucky, but short-lived. Once your body gets used to the medication, this side effect will go away.
Can MS relapse?
When you first find out you have MS, it's likely any relapses you have will be infrequent and mild. In fact, they may seem so easy to deal with, you'll think you can just ride them out or treat them with prescription medications or simple lifestyle modifications. Even if your symptoms are occasionally dramatic, such as loss of vision from optic neuritis, you may be able to get by with a short course of Solu-Medrol (a high-dose corticosteroid given intravenously). At this stage, it may be tempting to continue like this, dealing with symptoms as they come and enjoying symptom-free remission periods. However, allowing relapses to happen puts you at risk of developing a permanent disability. What's more, Solu-Medrol can have serious side effects. 3 You're much better off working with your doctor to make taking a disease-modifying medication an approach you can live with.
What are the symptoms of MS?
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that common symptoms include fatigue, trouble walking, numbness and tingling, involuntary muscle spasms, weakness, vision problems, dizziness and vertigo, ...
What to do if you feel you have MS?
If you feel you have symptoms of MS, or if your primary care doctor suggests that you do, try to reserve judgment until you can talk to a neurologist. The actual diagnosis may be something else.
What tests are done to check the fluid in the brain?
It starts with a visit to a neurologist that includes a physical exam and a look at your medical history. Your doctor may order several tests including: An MRI of the brain and spinal cord. A spinal tap to check the fluid around your brain and spinal cord.
What are the rare conditions that should be ruled out before diagnosis?
These include: Vitamin deficiency, such as B12, which is crucial for red blood cell formation and neurological function.
Can you rule out MS before a neurologist?
Before an MS Diagnosis, Rule Out These Conditions First. You may wind up in a neurologist's office if your primary care doctor suspects that you have multiple sclerosis. Maybe your symptoms led you there, or maybe it was the result of a magnetic resonance imaging brain scan. But that doesn' t mean you actually have MS, ...
When will MS be diagnosed in 2021?
Medically Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on January 14, 2021. If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), you might be wondering if you’ll have to be on medication for the rest of your life. That’s something only you and your doctor can decide together.
Can you relapse while taking a med?
If you relapse while taking medication, you could feel that if it isn’t working, you shouldn’t bother using it.
Do people with MS have the same rate of relapse?
A 2016 New York University study of 1,339 adults over 40 with MS found that people who chose to stop taking disease-modifying medication had about the same rate of relapse as those who kept taking it. But they had disability earlier than most of the those who stayed on their meds.
What do you have to tell someone about MS?
The people you have to tell. There are only a few people and organisations that you must tell about your diagnosis straight away. If you drive, you must tell the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) who issue driving licences as MS is a notifiable medical condition which may affect your ability to drive safely.
What to do after MS diagnosis?
What will happen next? 1 What you’d like to happen. There will be choices you can make. 2 What support your MS team can offer and how soon. You might meet your MS nurse immediately after diagnosis, but it’s more usual to have to wait several weeks. 3 How active your MS is at the moment. You might want to look at symptomatic treatments or whether disease modifying drugs (DMDs) that aim to alter the course of your MS are an option. 4 What else is going on in your life at the moment.
Why is it important to let MS team know?
It’s important to let your MS team know if you’re experiencing new symptoms or think you’re having a relapse, so that treatment can be considered.
How long can you keep a medical driving licence?
You may be able to keep a full licence, or you may be issued with a short-term medical driving licence for between one and five years, at which point you’d then be reassessed. Your licence may be revoked if the DVLA thinks you can no longer drive safely because of your MS symptoms.
How to contact MS nurse?
You may be able to contact your MS nurse by email or phone, although you might have to leave a message.
Is it normal to feel guilt after MS diagnosis?
Feelings of shock, denial, fear, anger, anxiety, loneliness, sadness, uncertainty and guilt are all a normal part of coming to terms with a diagnosis of a lifelong condition like MS. You may feel a sense of relief or acceptance, especially if you’ve spent a long time trying to find out the reason for your symptoms.
Is there a right or wrong way to react to MS?
There’s no right or wrong way to react, it’s very personal to you. How you react and adjust to living with MS often follows how you respond to and face other problems in your life, but learning about the possible emotional effects of a diagnosis of MS can help you cope.
