Do I have multiple sclerosis?

Here is My Question:
I am a 27F, and first noticed positional pulsatile tinnitus about a year ago. It seems to be getting worse, as it used to only happen when laying a certain way but now it happens occasionally when I stand up. I have headaches at least once a day now and always in the same spot, the top right side of my skull, in line with my ear. Yesterday I experienced a pins and needles sensation in the left side of my face only. It happened about 4 or 5 times, and lasted for a few seconds each time. I have not had it happen today, thankfully, but it concerned me. I am considering and we visit if it happens again. Could these symptoms be connected and could they be a sign of MS?

Answer:
I am sorry to hear about these annoying symptoms. I would need far more information to help but let me give you some information that will help you find the right doctor.

1. Pulsative tinnitus refers to a sound in the ear related to the pulsation of blood flowing through the carotid artery in close proximity to the inner ear. This causes noise through bone conduction of the turbulent flow. If the symptom involves both ears, it is often due to your heart beating fast or strongly. This can be due to things like an overactive thyroid or stress (and many other reasons). If only involving one ear, this could represent an abnormality involving the carotid artery or other vessels in the area. I suggest starting with your PCP or an ENT (Ear Nose and throat) doctor to figure out the source of this problem
2. The other symptoms are more vague and quite common. Make sure you tell your doctors about these symptoms but try to focus on figuring out the pulsatile tinnitus. 

None of your symptoms sound strongly suggestive of MS at this time.
Good luck

Revere P (Rip) Kinkel, MDProfessor of Neurosciences
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
University of California San Diego