Multiple Sclerosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Brain Wave Tests

Multiple Sclerosis

I would like to ask that at the beginning of this month, I felt discomfort in my eyes and visited several doctors who all said it was eye fatigue but noted that my intraocular pressure was elevated.
Following that, I experienced symptoms of heaviness in my head and cold-like symptoms.
After recovering from the cold, I started to experience numbness in my limbs, initially on the left side.
I had a CT scan of my head, and the doctor said it was normal.
Now, I also have numbness in my right foot, primarily in the palms of my hands and soles of my feet, along with a slight feeling of weakness and some itching all over my body.
I would like to know if a normal EEG can rule out multiple sclerosis.

Zou Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/24

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology

Hello, based on the symptoms mentioned, it cannot be definitively determined as multiple sclerosis.
It is recommended to visit a neurologist for further evaluation and testing.

Reply Date: 2023/04/24

More Info

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. Understanding MS involves recognizing its symptoms, diagnostic methods, and the role of brain wave tests in the diagnostic process.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
The symptoms of MS can vary widely among individuals and may include:
1. Visual Disturbances: This can manifest as blurred vision, double vision, or even temporary loss of vision due to optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the optic nerve.

2. Sensory Changes: Patients often report numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation, particularly in the limbs. This can sometimes be accompanied by a feeling of weakness.

3. Motor Symptoms: Muscle weakness, spasticity, and coordination problems are common. Patients may experience difficulty walking or maintaining balance.

4. Fatigue: A profound sense of tiredness that is not relieved by rest is frequently reported.

5. Cognitive Changes: Some individuals may experience memory issues, difficulty concentrating, or other cognitive impairments.

6. Emotional Changes: Depression and anxiety are also common in those with MS.

Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
Diagnosing MS typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests, including:
1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This is the most critical tool for diagnosing MS. MRI scans can reveal lesions or plaques in the brain and spinal cord that are characteristic of MS.

2. Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Analyzing cerebrospinal fluid can help identify inflammatory markers associated with MS.

3. Evoked Potentials: These tests measure the electrical activity in response to stimuli and can help assess the functioning of the nervous system.

Role of Brain Wave Tests
Brain wave tests, or electroencephalograms (EEGs), measure electrical activity in the brain. However, they are not typically used to diagnose MS. An EEG can help identify seizure activity or other brain disorders but does not provide specific information about demyelination or lesions characteristic of MS. Therefore, a normal EEG cannot definitively rule out MS.

Addressing Your Symptoms
Given your symptoms of eye discomfort, hand and foot numbness, and weakness, it is essential to pursue further evaluation. While your CT scan was normal, MS is often diagnosed through MRI, which can detect lesions that may not be visible on a CT scan. The presence of symptoms like numbness and weakness, especially if they are unilateral (affecting one side of the body), can be concerning for MS or other neurological conditions.

Conclusion
In summary, while brain wave tests are useful in certain contexts, they do not provide conclusive evidence regarding the presence or absence of MS. If you are experiencing persistent neurological symptoms, it is crucial to consult a neurologist who can recommend an MRI and other appropriate tests to evaluate your condition thoroughly. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly impact the management of MS and improve quality of life. If MS is confirmed, treatment options are available that can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

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