Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
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"Is there any other way to tell you have MS besides an MRI?"
Someone recently asked this question. I answered her privately, but it seemed quite well worth sharing.
In the old days, before MRI, the primary test was the "hot bath test". Think of an electric toothbrush. You take a trip out of town leaving it on the charger. After you come home you are thrilled with how powerful it is. Next, imagine that same electric toothbrush. For some reason the charger is not working. After a few days of use, you notice that the toothbrush is sloooooow. It barely works.
It is not infallible, but it is relatively reliable. To test for suspected MS, hop into a hot shower. After say three to ten minutes how do you feel ? If you are invigorated chances are you do not have MS. If you can barely stand you very well might have MS. Do note that the test is a bit dangerous. If you do have MS your legs might give out and you might fall down. I specified a shower instead of a bathtub because if you cannot get out, the very last thing you want is to be trapped in the tub until the water cools down !
FichenDich
PS There is also the lumbar puncture (LP) also known as the spinal tap. While many still believe in it, a growing number of neurologists are turning away from its use. It is a procedure that does carry significant risk. It can be excruciatingly painful. And finally, it is not entirely reliable. In the best of all possible worlds, it would be held in reserve to confirm an iffy diagnosis.
Someone recently asked this question. I answered her privately, but it seemed quite well worth sharing.
In the old days, before MRI, the primary test was the "hot bath test". Think of an electric toothbrush. You take a trip out of town leaving it on the charger. After you come home you are thrilled with how powerful it is. Next, imagine that same electric toothbrush. For some reason the charger is not working. After a few days of use, you notice that the toothbrush is sloooooow. It barely works.
It is not infallible, but it is relatively reliable. To test for suspected MS, hop into a hot shower. After say three to ten minutes how do you feel ? If you are invigorated chances are you do not have MS. If you can barely stand you very well might have MS. Do note that the test is a bit dangerous. If you do have MS your legs might give out and you might fall down. I specified a shower instead of a bathtub because if you cannot get out, the very last thing you want is to be trapped in the tub until the water cools down !
FichenDich
PS There is also the lumbar puncture (LP) also known as the spinal tap. While many still believe in it, a growing number of neurologists are turning away from its use. It is a procedure that does carry significant risk. It can be excruciatingly painful. And finally, it is not entirely reliable. In the best of all possible worlds, it would be held in reserve to confirm an iffy diagnosis.
But I find that the hot bath w/charger is interesting.
A.
Step 1, Oh shit! I'm going blind-> to the ER-ophthalmologist referral. 2 days later, Completely blind (differentiating light and motion only, sometimes), ophthalmologist. Lights in the eyes. Many mmhmm's and yep's..."We're sending you to a Neuro". About 3 days later, sent to Yale for battery of tests, including Spinal Tap. (I found that there is a part of the Spinal Tap needle that is called a "stop-cock-assembly" to be amusing ;^D ) I was told I could have Lupus, Lyme, Hiv, Syphilis, or MS... I was like "Come On Syphilis!!" lol. Days rest so my CSF could replenish and not leave my brain bruised. 3 or so days later, back to nuero..Even though I was a 20yr old adult, he told my parents "your son has MS" (Uhm, dude, I'm right here...in the ROOM!) He say's "THEY get a little irritated when they hear the news... 8^? Couple days later, sent to MS specialist in Yale. MRI. Confirmation, shown lesions, Jacob's thumb, etc. Was told the episode was too far along for steroids to be effective. Month blind in Right, came back 99.9%. Month later Left went, just as bad, Solumedrol, back 99.9% in a week or so. BOOM, life. No trace for 8-1/2 years barring maybe 3-4 lesions. Que cera cera...