Do I have MS?

Here is My Question:
I'm a 49 year old female, and several months ago my vision seemed off! At first I though it was my glasses however it kept getting worse until February 3rd when driving to work everything was double, cars, lights, people, everything!! I left work and drove myself to the doctor (bad idea) but I made it and haven't driven sense. I was admitted to the hospital for a whole battery of test including a cat scan and an MRI which eliminated all the usual suspects and was told it was probably viral and should clear up in a few weeks but it didn't. 

So here I am 3 months later with no diagnosis and more symptoms. My left leg is now numb with itching and pain! I use a cane and walker to get around because my balance is affected, my short term memory and speech are off, and my eyes are dancing from side to side, and we won't talk about the other stuff. The 2nd MRI with a better machine shows 3mm ovoid T2 hyperintense focus posterior superior right temporal lobe, 3mm T2 hyperintense focus posterior inferior right temporal lobe, and 4mm T2 hyperintense focus right lateral midbrain. MRI conclusion says appearance is nonspecific but differential consideration particular given the hyperintense focus in the right lateral midbrain includes demyelinating process/multiple sclerosis. 

My neurologist says the lesions are not indicative of MS but has no other diagnosis. I'm sure my story is a common one with no definitive test for multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be a process off elimination. But as the patient the scariest part of this journey is the uncertainty off not knowing! I think an MRI with dye or spinal tap would give me a diagnosis but my neurologist is following a different path of physical therapy and a referral to a doctor to run test in cognitive issues. I already know my brain is messed up and physical therapy for what? I feel a neurologist who specializes in this disease would be able to see what is really wrong with me therefor I now have an appt on july 14th to see Dr. Kinkel himself, on cancellation list for first avail! what test do I need to get a diagnosis? Am I too old? Also I have had numbness in my arm for years, was that the beginning? and the heat knocks me out another MS sign? Any thoughts on this issue would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Answer:
MS is a very good possibility and it may well be that you would benefit from additional testing. I am glad to hear you are scheduled to see me but why do you have to wait until July 14th? We have openings at Hillcrest and probably in La Jolla much earlier than July 14th. I would suggest calling my clinic coordinator, Shivon Carreno, at 619-543-5443.

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego