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I've lost my hearing in my right ear, about 8 years ago, and it sounds like i'm under water. I've started experiencing things that almost sound like someone talking, like a background tv is playing, or a low pitch humm... It's hard to describe without sounding crazy :( I don't say anything to anyone because I don't want them to tell me it's just voices in my head because that's really only a descriptive way of trying to explain it... is this MS related or am I going crazy? Answer: Google “Hearing Loss and Musical Ear Syndrome”. If this is what you are experiencing, you should call your audiologist. If this is what it is, you are not going crazy. Consider a hearing aid for that ear. Being hard of hearing can be interpreted as cognitive impairment. Conversation partners of the person who is hard of hearing may think the person that person has no memory. In reality, the person just didn’t hear what they said. For the most part, neither of these issues are related to MS. However, accurate hearing is crucial for full participation in day to day routines. Hope this helps – Lori Ann Kostich M.S. CCC-SLP, MSCS Speech Language Pathologist Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis Here is My Question:
Should I get a TB skin test while taking Copaxone? Thank you Answer: TB testing is not recommended or required for Copaxone/glatopa. If you have had prior exposure to TB or other risk factors, talk with your doctor. A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Here is My Question:
What are your thoughts on receiving a tattoo while being treated with Ocrevus? Answer: No clear contraindication. Risk of infection is still there regardless of the use of Ocrevus/rituximab. It may be worthwhile to avoid procedures within a month of infusion (there may be potential for impaired healing). A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Here is My Question:
Hi from Rockford, IL. I have primary progressive MS. My lesions are spinal. My neurologist says that I may have silent lesions on my brain but have not been seen on MRI. I am 54, and have had to take disability because of the progression. I am a 6th grade teacher, but could not continue teaching because of stiffness, pain, and fatigue. I have noticed the last two days, my fatigue being worse than ever before, for no real reason. I am on no meds other than Tizanadine and Adderall. I am concerned. Are there symptoms that are only related to spinal MS? I feel like every time I tell my doctor about symptoms, he basically tells me...you have MS. I am a smart woman. I read an abundance MS articles, and have even written my own articles that have been published. I am just needing some advice and asking for your wisdom about my specific spinal MS. Thank you for your time today. Answer: Spinal cord predominant MS is more common among those with progressive MS. However, conventional MRI is insensitive to the prevalent cortical demyelination that is more prominent as a patient ages (but also can be seen early in the disease course noted in the pathology literature). Whether or not the cortical lesions of MS contribute to the common complaint of fatigue is not clear. Fatigue is the most common (and disabling) feature of MS. It is present for most regardless of the form of MS a patient has. Addressing this manifestation of the disease includes reviewing medication side effects, evaluating your sleep patterns as well as competing medical issues (low thyroid, anemia, sleep apnea, etc). Based on that evaluation, a mitigating treatment course can be prescribed and may include a stimulant medication if appropriate. You appear to be on a stimulant, so it may be reasonable to approach your doctor for more evaluation of your fatigue since it isn’t optimally controlled. A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Here is My Question:
I have been using my eyes more lately (I’m a teacher and back to work). I’ve had more issues with blurriness or not being able to track or focus quickly lately. Is there anything I can do do help my situation? Supplements? Is this something I should consult my eye doctor on? Answer: The answer to that question depends on what type of eye problems you have had previously due to your MS. Many patients with MS who have had optic neuritis before may notice issues with depth perception after they recovery from the optic neuritis. Alternatively MS can effect the nerves that control eye movements. Any discoordination of eye movements can lead to problems with blurry vision, double vision or trouble tracking/focusing. I recommend seeing both your ophthalmologist and neurologist if the symptoms persist. Benjamin Osborne, MD Associate Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology Director, Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) and Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinics Associate Director of the NIH/Georgetown Neurology Residency Program Medstar Georgetown University Hospital Here is My Question:
Sometimes when I get sick, I have a hard time swallowing (usually drinks, but sometimes even my own saliva). Before diagnosis, I used to think it was because of enlarged tonsils, but my doctors never saw anything extraordinary other than a run-of-the-mill virus or occasionally an infected throat. As I am sick again and have choked on a glass of water, I remember decades of this happening. What are your thoughts and what should I do? It's embarrassing and a little terrifying. Answer: If not done already, your providers can consider a consultation with a speech language pathologist (who can evaluate your swallow). Occasionally, they may order a barium swallow imaging study to evaluate the different phases of of your swallow and help determine if their is impairment in the reflex (and if neurologically based). A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Also here is a blog about swallowing http://www.healthcarejourney.com/dysphagia.html. |
PLEASE NOTE: This information/opinions on this site should be used as an information source only. This information does not create any patient-HCP relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
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