Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

I had something similar one morning and immediately went to my GP, no appointment, just showed up and he sent me to my neurologist. It was Bells Palsy (face) which I had never had before. I had a short course of steroids and it went away fairly rapidly. No guarantees, just a wait and see. Don't despair, remain hopeful and as cheerful as possible while you help him go through the testing and wait for results.

I agree with the others, see a neuro quick because it may NOT be MS and other dx may be better in the long term with treatment applied soon after symptoms. If you want a pretty definitive answer in regards to him having MS or not, then go to a neuro that specializes in MS. Ask the doc for an MRI with and withOUT contrast for BOTH the brain and C-spine.

It might be a good idea to get some of the following tests done too.
1.) B panel= If you have low intrinsic factors (IF) in the stomach etc it can lead to low B vitamins that will affect cognitive ability and neuro movement because certain B vitamins are needed for DNA and myelin synthesis.
2.) 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 test= Many in America have the deficiency and if it is too low ie below 60 then you have much greater risk for MS, RA, breast and colon cancer (see URL and sublinks for the research by military and NIH for more info.)
3.) Essential Fatty Acids = HDL/ LDL/ Trigly, DHA/ EPA & Oleic/ Palmitic/ Linoleic fatty acids.
(FYI Oleic=Olive oil, the other 2 fatty acids are in flaxseed oil. DHA & EPA are in fish oil. HDL needs to be higher for your body to make things like hormones. Plus, a proper functioning brain and nerves since your brain is 60% fat and myelin is also made of fats)
4.) RAST blood allergy test for wheat (celiac disease), dairy, eggs, beans, nuts, seafood. Then stay away from anything you score a 2.5 on or higher.
5.) May want to look at a tox screen for mercury etc... but just as important stay away from MSGs as they are neurotoxins.

All my best to you and your family while you find out what exactly is going on..MS or otherwise. I was in your boat 4 1/2 years ago and it can be scary but get a proper dx and read. Knowledge is empowering and can help you stay as healthy as you can for as long as possible.
EP

www.RAMSwebsite.net
Click "Vitamin D3" or "B Vitamins" or "What helped MS" for us if you want more info and research links to these topics.

Do you have a primary care physician? My pcp was really helpful in getting care for me quickly even before I had a definite diagnosis. He would call the neurologist or other specialists and get test results sooner, etc. He even got me solu-medrol for a flare up before I had a definite diagnosis and it really helped.

i'm so sorry to hear about your husband.

i'm new at the whole MS thing, but these sensations are similar to me. my symptoms started with numbness and tingling, particularly in the left side. i'm generally weaker than i used to be, but can still function normally. just can't lift heavy stuff easily anymore. and the fatigue can be pretty brutal.

i have never heard of the droopy mouth thing though, odd.

it sucks, but try to be patient with drs, i guess. it sucks, i pretty much hate the health care system now, but you will get this figured out. be strong!